Should i Move to LA? (Los Angeles, San Diego: credit, how much, employment)

[FraserLFA]

I am currently a student in England and i'm soon going to University to Study for a Business degree. Afterwards, i was thinking of fulfilling my dream of moving to LA but would love to get some opinions on it from people who know what they're talking about, instead of just basing my opinions on a holiday lasting just over a week.

I've heard with a qualification, Jobs aren't overly hard to find, but i've also heard English qualifications mean nothing In America. Anyone know anything?

I'd also really appreciate any other info on general day to day living in LA.

Thanks

[Green Irish Eyes]

There are several threads here which can answer at least some of your questions. As to this:

I've heard with a qualification, Jobs aren't overly hard to find

I'm not sure where you heard that, but the unemployment rate in Los Angeles is currently 11% (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Hopefully it'll be better by the time you finish your degree, but it's pretty bleak right now.

[FraserLFA]

Originally Posted by squeezeboxgal

There are several threads here which can answer at least some of your questions. As to this:



I'm not sure where you heard that, but the unemployment rate in Los Angeles is currently 11% (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Hopefully it'll be better by the time you finish your degree, but it's pretty bleak right now.

Yeah sorry forgot to mention that was excluding the current credit situation.

Thanks for your help

[Charles]

Originally Posted by FraserLFA

fulfilling my dream of moving to LA

How did you find out about Los Angeles?

[FraserLFA]

I was taken on holiday there about 6 years ago and have loved it since and always thought it would be a great place to live. Everyone just seemed really happy there and friendly and everything. But as i've got older, i've realised it's not all fun and sun so i just wanted some serious opinions.

[Christine Joan]

Ideally, if someone is moving from another country and wants to work here, they obtain a job here while still living in the foreign country and obtain a work visa before they move here. However, as others have said, even people who have lived here for years are experiencing difficult financial hardships because many large companies are laying off employees, not hiring new ones.

You might want to consider obtaining a job with an international company with offices in both London and Los Angeles and then after a few years working in London, seek a transfer to LA.

When I lived in San Diego, a Canadian woman who had experience in social services was able to obtain employment at a child care agency for emotionally disturbed children because at that time, not many people wanted to work for social service agencies since the pay was so low. That might have changed now that the economy has tanked.

Best wishes.

[FraserLFA]

Good advice. Thanks!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by FraserLFA

I am currently a student in England and i'm soon going to University to Study for a Business degree. Afterwards, i was thinking of fulfilling my dream of moving to LA but would love to get some opinions on it from people who know what they're talking about, instead of just basing my opinions on a holiday lasting just over a week.

I've heard with a qualification, Jobs aren't overly hard to find, but i've also heard English qualifications mean nothing In America. Anyone know anything?

I'd also really appreciate any other info on general day to day living in LA.

Thanks

Where did you hear jobs were not hard to fine? Right now they are and will probably be for the next few years.

I have no idea about English qualifications versus ours in America.

Nita

[trojerine]

No.

[pr_losangeles]

I agree with Christine Joan- your best bet to get into the US is working in a business with offices in London and LA and requesting a transfer.Fraser, I am in exactly the same boat as you, just finished my 2nd yr of BA in marketing and considering moving to LA, either after my BA or after my masters.One thing I will say is think about studying for a masters in England before you try to move. A post-graduate degree moves you up to a higher level for immigration, a H2B rather than a H1B. H1B's have a waiting list for citizenship of upto 5 years whereas with a H2B has no waiting list. However, both types of visa will need sponsorship from an employer, which is difficult to get as I've found many jobs posted say only those with rights to live and work in the US can apply.I don't understand why more British people don't move to California. I've researched it for a long time now and housing is infinitely more cheaper, even in areas of central LA such as Echo Park. The highest band of income tax in California is 9% according to the government website, the highest income tax band in england is now 50%! Yes, you have to pay healthcare but think about how much you'll save in other areas (mostly tax but also cost of living)- from a fiscal point of view it makes sense in every way.Good luck in trying to get there, keep the faith because it'll be worth it in the end. (and don't listen to americans that tell you living in america is terrible, because they clearly havent lived in london- 11% unemployment? try 13.5% in london last year!!)