Another "moving to Portland" post! (to rent, job market)

[Michi527]

Thanks all! I am going to look into temp agencies and starting sending out resumes. Hopefully I can find a room to rent, to cut down costs. Neither sister has space...sadly - but I dont want to impose either, lol!

[Michi527]

Originally Posted by hamellr

Without experience, IT is a dead-end field these days. Too much outsourcing.

Try applying at Stream or ACS. Both are always hiring help desk techs due to the high burnout rate. Stream is the slightly better place to work, as ACS can ruin your resume.

Realistically, you should stay in nursing. That's where all the jobs are for the foreseeable future.

Do you think that is true across the US or just Portland?

[hamellr]

I believe it to be true across the US, but more so in Portland. The problem in Portland is that several large companies laid off their entire IT departments in 2008-09. While a lot of them left PDX, many stayed for a few of the jobs that were left.

To makes things worse, IT in the Portland area is starting to shift away from generalists to specialists. But specialists in the area have usually been under valued salary wise and left already. So while there are IT jobs, frequently they're going unfilled because there is nobody remotely qualified or the salary is so low that it's an insult.

[Michi527]

Thank you. I am thinking my chances of getting an entry level IT job are just as bad in Louisville as they are in Portland. So I might as well live where I want.

I sent my resume to several medical staffing companies (thanks for the links!!), and have already received 3 replies. Especially if I am willing to work nights/weekends...I know I will have full-time employment in Healthcare.

[Michi527]

Originally Posted by hamellr

Forgot to add, here is a list of all the temp agencies in the Portland Area (http://www.hamell.net/2010/03/portland-temp-agencies/ - broken link).

This rocks, thank you.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by hamellr

I believe it to be true across the US, but more so in Portland. The problem in Portland is that several large companies laid off their entire IT departments in 2008-09. While a lot of them left PDX, many stayed for a few of the jobs that were left.

To makes things worse, IT in the Portland area is starting to shift away from generalists to specialists. But specialists in the area have usually been under valued salary wise and left already. So while there are IT jobs, frequently they're going unfilled because there is nobody remotely qualified or the salary is so low that it's an insult.

This exactly describes the large company I used to work for only it happened this year. They have outsourced their IT department. It came as quite a shock since this is a home-grown Portland company that used to have something like 2500 people working for it.

[ami mon]

maybe if the US Gov starts taxing those companies who give jobs away to off-shorers our job market would pick up some. On the other hand anyone can do code/software development so maybe it is just a slave market. Maybe the IT folks need to evolve into something the greedy corporations can't outsource. The trick is trying to figure out what that would be though and still make a decent living.

[Michi527]

Tis true. Makes me glad I have a plan B! I should have my Oregon Nursing license in a few weeks.

[bmw74]

Originally Posted by Michi527

Hi everyone!! I am having fun reading the posts here.

I moved to Portland when I was 14, then left at age 19. I have since lived in several cities. Currently I am in Louisville, KY...but want to move back to Portland.

I am 30 now, so much has changed - with me, Portland, and my career!

I graduate in 7 weeks with a degree in Information Technology (Network Administration was my focus). I do not have IT experience, but am looking for something entry...help desk perhaps. Any leads would be appreciated!

I am also a Licensed Practical Nurse. I have 4 years experience...mainly in pediatrics, ventilator units, some geriatric experience, Correctional experience, flu shot and health clinics. That is my plan B for work. I see a lot of openings, but am a bit nervous about coming out without a job.

I have 2 cats, and we would like a small apartment or a house share even!

Anyway, I am super excited!! I know a handful of people out there - including 2 sisters that love Portland!

p.s. I love SE Portland, Mt. Tabor area...my first apartment was on 60th and Belmont and I loved it. This was 11 years ago, wonder if any in that bldg are for rent :-).

I am into volunteering, trying awesome beers, wine, dining out, movies, reading, meetup groups, making jewelry, and a lot more.

I know this is a move to Portland thread, but have you considered moving to Houston, TX? I say that because there are A LOT of nurse jobs, and plenty of IT jobs too.... I am actually living in Houston and considering moving to Portland because of a job offer I received with Intel, and I am really having a hard time making a decision because of the weather... I don't necessarily want it to always be sunny, but not sure if my family can take few months of cloudy/gloomy days after being used to the sun for so long (we moved from Florida to Texas 5 years ago).

[Michi527]

No way...I've lived in Austin and Houston - I really dislike Texas!

Portland weather isn't that bad! GO FOR IT!

I really hope I can get a decent job there...I am vising twice in December to look around. But I do know finding a job around the holidays is difficult.