Another Transplant---A few ???'s (Pasadena, West Hollywood: job market, buy, living)

[AK_0807]

I'm moving to Hollywood (West) in mid-March.
I'm not in "The Business" and have no desire to be.

I'm a cafe manager now (2yrs), with 10+ years of serving experience. I also have a culinary degree with limited line experience, but I'm very capable if the right opportunity presented itself. Since the majority of my experience is FOH, I'd really just like to wait tables and/or train to bartend. That's where the $$$ is.

Any advice on finding work would be helpful. I do have some local friends putting out the word, but I've heard its really crazy out there, like restaurants holding "auditions" for servers and 200 people showing up? Any insight into how to navigate that process, or even just get around it would be fabulous... Is there any point to looking/applying via the web before I get there?

Also, I've read a lot on here that a car is really important in LA. I have my hesitations with the parking and traffic nightmares I've heard about. Considering where I'll be living and what I'd like to do for work, is a car really necessary? Would a scooter suffice?

thanks

[uptown_urbanist]

It depends on where you end up working. If you get a job somewhere on a bus or train line or within walking distance then no, you don't need a car. I lived in LA (in Hollywood and in South Pasadena) without driving, no problems. If you end up with a job with really late hours you'll have a tougher time since late night public transportation schedules aren't as good, but if you're lucky you'll find work in West Hollywood and be within walking distance. If I were you I'd put off getting a car for now, and if and when you decide you need one then buy one then. Why take on the expense if it's not necessary? (espeically if you're moving without a job, as yes, the job market really is tight)