oregon and making a future (Portland: find a job, school, college)

[clintonfaber]

So I love the climate of the Portland Oregon area mainly because I hate snow and hate 100+ degree weather.

I moved here recently for a seasonal job that pays great, but is backbreaking labor. Needless to say i will not be making it my career.

My main experience has been in the service industry working at a casino/resort and now a sports bar/restaurant. 4 years experience total in it.

Im 28, everything else in my life has been blips of work history in things that didnt work out or i didnt like. everything from industrial painting to CNA work.

For someone with next to no college and work experience mainly in the service industry. What would you say i should do to further my goals of a self sustaining livelihood? I live with my girlfriend getting married after next season in my summer job.

what should i work towards? i ask here mainly because, as i said, i love the area.

however i hate business management and accounting.

So for those TLDR folks, how can i re-phrase this. Im looking for a entry level (meaning no experience/schooling required) job that can lead into something to support a wife and a family eventually. and i dont mean 10 years down the road, more like 5.

[Silverfall]

I'd start taking some classes at PCC. They have counselors there that can give you some tests that can pair your interests with a future job. Otherwise, become a welder or something like that.

[clintonfaber]

all tests ive ever took has put me as a writer....

i like writing

not sure how to turn that into a real sustainable job, most are more similar to acting careers, one in a million, others pay crap.

[Nell Plotts]

I envy your writing ability but you are correct in assuming that it should used in the execution of other skills/knowledge.

You could be an administrative assistant so you would need top notch office software skills at a minimum. Look at job postings online to see what specific skills an employer wants. An admin assistant isn't necessarily a dead end job. If you supported HR you could follow that career path and take professional development classes at Portland State, for example.

I see a lot of receptionists at Kaiser. If you could find a job, any job, in that organization in time you could apply for other positions.

[clintonfaber]

ive never had an office job, i know how to use word, im sure i could re-teach myself excel (its been years).

[Nell Plotts]

If you are willing to learn a craft consider diesel technician or cnc technician training. Completely different work environments.

[clintonfaber]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

If you are willing to learn a craft consider diesel technician or cnc technician training. Completely different work environments.

i applied to a cnc opertator job at nike (as it only required a highschool diploma) so fingers crossed for that, if i can get in i would be totally ok with taking some classes in my free time to better myself.

[ccjarider]

In reading your posts, I must offer a suggestion. Review proper use of language, grammar and punctuation in order to be seriously considered for any position.

[Terryj]

According to a report I read a few of the top sought skills are welders, electricians and diesel technician, once you make it to the journeyman level, you'll be set.

[Nell Plotts]

The apprenticeship program for electricians requires passing a test for entry that includes a lot of math skills.

I am confused clintonfaber, do you have cnc certification? CNC Operator Degrees and Certificate Programs If that is the case you have a number of job opportunities.