Advice - Want to give LA a try for a Year... (Burbank: real estate, rent)

[Frau10125]

Ok so thanks in advance to all those who reply, and while I know the end decision is mine to make any input from people who have pondered the same thing would be great and sorry for the length.

I've searched the forums extensively for a couple of months now and have gotten good advice on the cost of living in LA, relocating, different cities, safety, ect. So I wont ask any of those questions...

I currently live in Boston, have now for the past 6 years. Got myself out of debt (from early 20's mistakes) and now am making 42K, have cheap rent (although I live with 3 people), AA in Theater, and will have 12k to move with by the end of the year.

I want to get a entry level assistant job with a studio (preferably Disney) and move out to CA to try it for a year.

But with the way the economy is right now it doesnt seem like a good time, and talking things over with a friend he recommended that I look into real estate, stay here for another 2 years, resell and then use the profits to move. Also, Film is not the best field to get into as far as stability goes.

But I'm in HVAC right now and no longer want to work in a field I care nothing for.

I'm 27, dont have any children/husband/high debt so its not like I have anything to lose (except time and the 12K that I saved up)

So the question is "should I stay or should I go" (I love that song...)

[BRinSM]

I guess the answer to that question is another question:

If you decide against moving to LA, will you regret not moving here in 5, 10, or even 20 years from now?

If you think the answer is yes, you should probably just do it.

[calipoppy]

Now is a great time for you to try your hand at LA since you don't have the family obligations.

Getting into the studios can be a little tough but there are some temp agencies that do a lot of placment for assignments with the industry. ACT-1 is an agency that I believe places for temp positions in the industry (assistants, mailroom etc) By the way, it will help you to have a side gig, too.

Real estate prices haven't really fallen that much, all things considered, here in LA and not to be mean but that $12k won't get you very far. Hold on to your money because you are going to really need it.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Frau10125

But with the way the economy is right now it doesnt seem like a good time, and talking things over with a friend he recommended that I look into real estate, stay here for another 2 years, resell and then use the profits to move.

I don't know where you intend to be making some profits although you seem to imply it will be in real estate. If so then I think you're either being unreasonably optimistic or you don't understand the real estate situation at all. I think even the most optimistic of us expect real estate prices to continue down for the next two years and possibly only then begin turning around and heading back up. I believe there is virtually NO chance of you making any real estate profits in the next two years.

In fact if you have property and intend to move in the next two years then probably right now is the best time to sell out.

As far as getting your dream job, why don't you move out ASAP and work in HVAC while you're job hunting? There's no better way to get the job you want then to be local and on call to accept interviews. Your prospective employer will know you're committed to living in LA and will also understand they will not be expected to pay for your relocation expenses.

Come on out!

[Frau10125]

Yeah, I'm not to crazy with the idea of buying real estate in Boston, and hoping it sells in 2-3 years so I can leave. I tried to explain to him, that it took me quite a while to get out of debt so I don't see myself getting into a morgage just because it might make a profit.

Plus thats 3 years gone by, when I could have been setting camp in LA.

Now if I'm in LA for 3 years and things are getting worse, then I got my wake up call and will head home to settle down.

Thanks for the advice guys.

[CESpeed]

Since you've given yourself a definite time frame, go for it. Especially since you don't have any responsibilties right now. Burbank would be the most ideal place for you sonce that's where most of the studios are. What's your worst case scenario? You don't end up with your dream job, you hate L.A., you've already planned to move back in a year. What do you have to lose?

[gypsystar]

I say go for it! I moved here four years ago at age 27 because I just HAD to or I knew I would regret it forever. Although I am married, we don't have kids yet and I knew it was now or never. My dream was to work in a movie studio as well, and I am proud to say that I worked at almost every one! LOL I had a full-time assistant job at WB and although it wasn't all I thought it would be, I will NEVER regret experiencing it and getting to explore the lot. For me, working in entertainment isn't worth the hype but I can now move on with my life and feel satisfied because I followed my dreams. I have been on all of the studio lots and have had an amazing, fun time.

I got my other studio jobs through temp agencies - most of them have agencies on-site. It is sometimes hard to even get work through the agencies because of the fierce competition, but if you get in and are a hard worker they will give you a lot of work - I built good relationships with them and always had assignments. If you are interested, I can give you the name of the agencies.

Best of luck to you and follow your dreams!

[Frau10125]

That would be wonderful Gypsy. Thank you so much!

I got one from Calipoppy called ACT-1, and I've also been looking on the actual company job sites. Disney, NBC, Time Warner...

Actually since I'm out of town, I wonder when the best time to start applying would be. I wouldn't want to do anything to early, I'm not planning on leaving till December really.

I was thinking to start in November and with the money that I saved up I would try and schedule all my interviews (if any) all during the same week and come out there. But after I get settled and still dont have a job by the end of Jan I dont want to start depleting my savings.

For me, working in entertainment isn't worth the hype but I can now move on with my life and feel satisfied because I followed my dreams.

I never wanted to be one of those graduates that doesnt go into the field they majored in. And I was slowly heading down that path staying in Boston.
(Like my poor boss who majored in History, and is now the manager of an HVAC warehouse )
I think theres a difference between a job and a carrer but what I like to think is that at least I'm going to choose to be happy!

[JesusisLord]

Make Sure You Have A Short Commute!

[gypsystar]

You don't really need to get in contact with the agencies until about a week before you get here. They will probably request a resume, and if they are interested, they will set up an appt. You will either take computer and typing tests online or you will do it when you go in and meet with them. Brush up on your typing skills and study Word, Excel and Powerpoint - the higher your scores, the more work you will probably get.

MGM goes through Ultimate Staffing and Sony and Fox works with Corestaff. I don't know about WB as I worked there full-time. All of these agencies are on-site, in the studio's HR departments. I had a great exp with MGM - a long term temp assignment with them was my first job in L.A. They don't have a filming lot but I got great exp. and references. I LOVE walking around the Sony lot, it is so historic (used to MGM) and fun.

These agencies get tons and tons of resumes each day, so the more experience you have before you get here, the better. Be very friendly, build relationships with the staffing people and be persistant - I know it is only admin work but the ent. industry rules apply. Once you start working and prove yourslelf, you may be considered for temp-to-perm jobs, which is "gold" for temps! Best of luck to you!