[Fokker100]

I live in Europe and will relocate to the US this summer 2008.

Presently I work in Sales for a company which is similar to Ticketmaster. Have worked over 6 years in airline industry and have 3 years experience as executive chef in a gourmet restaurant. I have a BBA degree and do speak French and German.

Now I already got a job offer which is based in Santa Monica (and I don’t really like LA). I read a lot of things that it can be hard to find a good job / career opportunity in the Valley. I know Vegas and the surroundings quite well and I’m fully aware that there is much more than the Strip! Maybe you can give me some advice for a smooth start in the US: Should I accept the job offer in LA or do you think I would do fine in Vegas with my qualifications?

Hey guys; congratulations on this forum and thanks a lot for all your comments!

[pukalo]

Accept the job offer you got in LA, then start searching for a job in Vegas in your spare time. You don't want to be in a position where you rejected a job offer and no one will hire you in Vegas. It's up to you though, depends if you want to play it safe or not

[PinkString]

I'll second that. Take the job offer in Santa Monica, which is a pretty nice place to live too. Then in your spare time, vacation, whatever, come and visit Las Vegas. Los Angeles is close enough for you to drive here on a weekend or skip the long drive and fly out in an hour instead.

If you really don't like the L.A area that much, see if you can find a job here before you move. Or come here with plenty of money to live on for 6 months to a year while looking for work.
Depending on what you do for a living, you may or may not find it here, so you have to be prepared for that as well. Good luck.

[MR77]

I also would take the job in Santa Monica. Work there for a while and who knows, the person you end up working for in Santa Monica may have some good contacts for you in Vegas to use down the line.