Bad job market in Portland? (hotels, homes, live)

[DogStar5988]

I've read that the job market there is not the best. I work in hotels and will have a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management when I get there. Is it really so competitive that it would be hard to find a good job? I really don't want to end up working the front desk for the rest of my life. Thanks
---Kenny

[insanityincredibly]

I'm wondering why there aren't more posts on this subject. I don't have any degree, but carpentry is my thing and I can't get much info on job opportunity either. Pretty much all I've read is that it's not easy to find work regardless of what you do. Someone said the temp agencies will keep you from sleeping in a park....

[DogStar5988]

Yikes, that doesn't sound very encouraging. Anyone have any info on this? Thanks

[oldtintype]

I think that was true when the economy was bad a few years ago.

[hansonsn]

I'm from So Cal and have the same question about the job market. I'm a CPA & MBA and have 7 years experience... I'd be looking for a management accounting role but am afraid this will be hard to find in Portland. I'd love to hear any more input on the job market.

[momof5]

I wouldn't come to Portland without a job. My husband has been jobless for 6 years...it is getting old! He doesn't have a degree but speaks 4 languages.

the other thing is I work for the county. For a $20 and hour job they will get over 100 applicants easily!

I would apply first and land a job first and then come out west.

[mdvaden]

Should try starting a window cleaning business.

My son, and about 1/2 dozen friends, started window cleaning businesses.

One of them, became so large in commerce, he had all of Multnomah counties buildings as one customer of many. He sold, for another adventure of choice.

Most of them were bidding based on $40 per hour.

Without training, almost anybody can start with single level homes and work to 2 story homes in a matter of months. The info is not hard to come by. All someone needs is a couple of squeegees, clean work clothes, a step ladder, a scrubber and a bucket.

Probably the lowest overhead of all businesses to start in.

Portland area always has an avenue to meeting financial needs if the will to succeed exists.

There's also the better type of temp agencies too. That's one clue in itself. Temp agencies could not exist if a the job market was dried-up entirely.

[insanityincredibly]

So basicly if I want a job I can probably get one, right? It couldn't be worse than Hawaii, that's what I'm counting on.

[kelcat]

May 2007 Bureau of Labor Statistics metropolitan area Unemployment table

There is anecdotal info and statistical info... be careful of both but weigh both. My personal experience is that finding a job is no problem but I imagine it depends on your particular area of expertise, your experience in that area and how deeply you drill into the resources available. Statistically Portland is very slightly above the national average in unemployment at 4.5% (national average is 4.5% or an average of 4.3% in the major metropolitan areas in the table) but some very trusted economic resources (I could give you them if you are interested or you could google "full employment") considers unemployment under 5% as "full employment".

Again, there is statistical info and there is anecdotal info. Both can be true, both can be false in any individual case. Any information you get on this board isn't going to be good enough to base a rational decision on. Look at Craig's list, the employment pages in the Oregonian, the websites of the particular field you are in or visit Portland and visit the places you might want to work and try to meet people and ask them.

Good Luck!!!