When you think of the Pacific Northwest, images of Pike’s Place at Seattle’s Waterfront and Starbucks’ birthplace may come immediately to mind. Or shoot down the I-5 Corridor toward the Silicon Forest, Oregon’s tech hub nod and nickname, a play on Silicon Valley just a little further South down the I-5 to San Francisco.One thing which may stand out immediately on the drive is the ocean vista view. Relax and unwind with a good cup of coffee at a local shop, bask in the mild climate, and curl up with a good book when you get a bit of free time. Here, the mantra is to ‘work hard, play harder’.The Land of TechSeattle, also known as Emerald City, is one of the largest tech hubs of the eight in the US seeking top tech talent. Available jobs are outpacing the skilled workers to fill them. While they could outsource to other countries, many businesses are choosing to offer remote work options.Commuting Like a LocalFor most people, commuting involves keeping your car gassed up and maintained whether your office is a few miles down the road or in the next town. But, in the Pacific Northwest, commuting is part of an active lifestyle, while at the same time lowering your carbon footprint. How? Well, with plenty of walking, hiking, and biking trails as well as a robust public transportation system, it’s a breeze to get to work. And you’ll be helping to support a sustainable environment as well.Biking is the most popular commuting option. If you’re a biker or plan to become one, be sure your outfitted with good reflective gear, a waterproof windbreaker, and of course, a helmet. If you’re going sans car, don’t forget a waterproof back. After all, you’ll need something to carry your stuff in, right? Work/Life BalanceWhether it’s because of the temperate climate, the mild winters, or the laid-back atmosphere, the work/life balance in Washington and Oregon offer a peaceful setting to refresh and recharge. Available communities to spend time with like-minded people and the abundance of tech-focused jobs available in the area offer an amazing work/life balance.Spending Time in Nature – plenty of islands, parks, and trails offer a chance to commune with nature whether your commuting to and from work or planning for the weekend. The Arts – Portland and Seattle are both known for their arts and culture scenes including art festivals, indie bands, symphonies, museums, and more besides.Activities – From hiking to surfing to mountain climbing to yoga, there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy, meet people, and make friends. One Final Takeaway…The quirky culture of the Pacific Northwest is an exercise in the unexpected. Whether listening to local bands, dressing up in costume at random, taking advantage of sunbreaks when the clouds part, or hiking in the rain, the reward is a good meal with good friends. If you’re new to the area, don’t be shy. Invite yourself along.Our brick-and-mortar locations are in San Francisco, New York, Berlin, and London, but we have clients around the world. Whether you’re looking for a permanent or a contract role, we’ve got you covered. Check out our current vacancies for opportunities or get in touch to learn more. For our West Coast Team, call (415) 614 – 4999 or send an email to sanfraninfo@harnham.com. For our Mid-West and East Coast Teams, call (212) 796 – 6070 or send an email to newyorkinfo@harnham.com.
Posted in Uncategorized