How bad is the job market?

[Jane M]

Originally Posted by EasyBeezy

I went on a business trip to St Pete Beach last year and really liked it. The housing there is pretty expensive though, and drive three miles inland and its a sun blasted dump that makes 82nd look nice.

LOL. Sand blasted dump. pretty much on the money. Anywhere on the gulf coast is sweet. But, yes. very expensive. Jacksonville on the N. Atlantic side is pretty good as well. It's a solid city. I'll stop talking about Florida now.

[floridaboy92]

Originally Posted by Jane M

LOL. Sand blasted dump. pretty much on the money. Anywhere on the gulf coast is sweet. But, yes. very expensive. Jacksonville on the N. Atlantic side is pretty good as well. It's a solid city. I'll stop talking about Florida now.

I went to college in Florida and prefer to not ever live in that state again. It wasn’t my cup of tea and it never will be.

[Nell Plotts]

OK, back to the original question. The OP needs to look on the various websites that post jobs to see what opportunities match his/her background and experience, apply. Once you get an interview start looking for housing convenient to that employer. Everyone's expectations are different.

The best route, always, is to see if your current employer has openings here and explore a transfer

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by floridaboy92

I went to college in Florida and prefer to not ever live in that state again. It wasn’t my cup of tea and it never will be.

floridaboy92, it sounds like you want to stay on the west coast. If that is the case, the PNW is a nice option. Though 'no place' is perfect and the nicest areas are still somewhat expensive. Most of what you'll experience depends on you - your resourcefullness, ability to assess and then adapt to areas/sectors of economic growth. This may even include things like re-inventing yourself based on jobs which are more in-demand and actually pay better as well. It could also include taking some classes and/or getting training in those areas. This applies to Portland as well as any city you are considering. Most of the time the answer to the question is it depends on you and what you bring to the table.

Its important to keep in mind that many lower COL areas also have lower pay. For retirees that may not matter as much. But for someone young and launching a career it can be very difficult to grow professionally and financially. Yes, CA is expensive, especially housing. Its one of the reasons we are looking north as well. But CA also has some good opporutunies to learn and launch one's career. It may be better to grow professionally where you are if you can find a niche, first.

This may be a good time to take stock of your life in terms of future career goals. Where would you like to get to beyond where you are now, professionally speaking? CA has many young folks doing this simply because its a beautiful place to live while figuring things out. The PNW can work also. But it helps to have a solid game plan and job lined up before making the move.

Derek