[Soundman123]

Hi everyone,

After living in Vegas for the past 9 months, I have found little to no work as an Audio/Video technician despite my 10 years of experience in the trade.

I am almost broke and have lost my entire life savings thanks to my decision to come here

I moved here last year from Los Angeles in hopes of finding a decent income working at one of the hotels. L.A. was just too expensive and I wasn’t making a lot of money due to their bad economy.

The recession has completely killed all hope of finding employment in my chosen field. I have tried absolutely everything. Even McDonalds isn’t hiring.

My parents want to purchase a home for me in Vegas and we are in the midst of a short sale. The idea is for me to live in the house rent free until I find work, but I’m so fed up and angry with my situation that I’m thinking about just blowing off my apartment lease at the end of the month and moving in with my parents in San Diego.

Even if we got the short sale house in Las Vegas I would still need a job for utilities, food ect.

I believe it will be at least another year before these damn casinos start hiring again. Don't believe the job listings on their websites. They are only stockpiling resumes. I confirmed this fact with an H.R. associate from Harrahs.

My apartment that I’m living in wants me to pay $1,000 to break the lease + 30 days notice, but there is no way in hell I’m paying a termination fee that big. I don’t care if my credit gets ruined. I cannot afford it.

What should I do? Should I stick it out and wait for the short sale, or pack it up and move to San Diego?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[LiveinPA]

I would say...don't repeat your past mistake by moving somewhere else without work lined up.

If you can get a job in San Diego that will offset all the expenses, breaking the lease, etc. then go for it.

Otherwise, San Diego is probably a more expensive place to be unemployed in.

[JohnG72]

Your field is tough to get work in and has a pay ceiling. That ceiling is lower than I'd want to have living in So Cal. I'd be tempted to move back in with the parents, find a 25-30 hour a week job, and attend college or some kind of training for a semi skilled job for a field that is easier to find work in.

FWIW, its pretty easy to find VERY good paying jobs right now in computer & electrical engineering, nursing, programming, physicians assistant, & pharmacist. I know its a long road to get to any of those jobs(4 years of full time school) but those all pay very good, are in demand, and will stay in demand, though you will have to continue education to keep your skills current.

Fact is, if you complete any of those AND either work in that field the last two years of school OR work for a couple years after school, you basically guarantee yourself $80-120K a year with upward possibilities in some of those fields. The only non guaranteed one is the engineer, and even that you can guarantee a job if you work harder and smarter than your co-workers.

I know its not an easy decision, but its one I'd consider strongly if I was in your position(I'm mid 30's and guessing you are about the same). I just do not see the Vegas economy improving by much in the next few years, and your career choice is not an easy one to find in Vegas.

[Buzz123]

You're not the Lone Ranger. Right now is a tough time to find work. Have you tried finding a job to pay the bills in some other field until an A/V job comes along? Have you tried the temp agencies? That's a great way to get a foot in the door. Also, have you joined a union? Might be necessary for you to get work in the hotels in your field. Lastly, have you tried the TV stations? The job market is not so good right now anywhere, so maybe you'd be better off where you have family to back you up. Only you can answer that question. But eventually things will turn around, just like eventually we'll see this economic situation again. It's a never ending cycle in this world. Roll with it. You'll survive. Everyone does. There is no other choice. If nothing else, get yourself a camera and shoot wedding videos for a while.

[Tiger Beer]

TEMP AGENCIES are a great way to go.

But personally, to the rest, I don't see the problem, if your parents are going to help purchase a house, so it is rent-free, sounds really good.

I made an attempt at SAN DIEGO before, and I was very frustrated at the very low cost of wages relative to the cost of living. Granted you'd have your parents house to live in, but is that really a longterm solution to anything?

Seems like the Las Vegas with parents help is a huge blessing or fortune. Plus it isn't nearly as expensive to live in Vegas as it is in San Diego.

I'd also say 'temp agencies' is the way to go.

Regarding the lease situation. You've lived in Vegas for 9 months, so that means you have 3 months lef on the lease. I don't see the problem with staying there for three weeks either, as opposed to breaking the contract and paying the fine. Seems like you might as well stay put for 3 months.

[US-Traveller]

I would try to tough it out. Las Vegas's real estate market and economy will be among the first to rebound because it fell earlier than most of America and fell further. Las Vegas is in overall much better shape than Southern California.

[Jonotastic]

craigslist.com -> restaurants are always hiring because they are always turning over employees...be a dishwasher or busser, I guarenttee you will find a job

[Soundman123]

Buzz123, I actually do in fact have my own video production business. Last year I shot a wedding almost every weekend. I'd edit during the week. The money wasn't that great but I made a living while improving my skills behind the lens.

I haven't booked any weddings this summer! Nobody is calling. I got most of my clients from craigslist but it doesn't seem to be working anymore.

I agree that moving in with my parents is not a long term solution for a 31 year old, but it would take the pressure off until the economy improves.

I haven't tried temp agencies yet, but I know the IATSE union isn't looking for help. Neither are any of the sound & staging companies. Believe me, I've been to them all.

I guess San Diego isn't really any better job wise.

I understand what people are saying about A/V not being that lucrative in general but I love what I do. It is the only kind of work that I'm passionate about.

Going back to school to study a trade that doesn't turn me on doesn't seem like a good idea. I'd probably flunk out.

I have A.D.D. and never got good grades until going to trade school to learn audio production.

Sounds like I'm screwed wherever I end up so I might as well just stick it out.

Thanks everyone for your kind words!

[las vegas drunk]

There are tons of jobs available here that will hire you tomorrow. It just depends what pay scale you are willing to accept.

[jfkIII]

For your parents sake...don't move back in their house. I certainly don't want any of my adult kids moving back in our house. Besides, living with your parents will kill your self-esteem. Right now...take any job, no matter how menial...and keep getting the word around about your AV experience. Sometimes, opportunities present themselves where and when you least expect it.