Best relocation/transition jobs in L.A.??? (for rent, moving)

[EZ_E_83]

In brief, I intend on relocating to L.A. this summer/fall. I won't have a job on arrival so can you guys tell me what are the best jobs to pick up right away that will pay for rent, gas, etc. while I find a career-related job.

If it matters, I am moving from out-of-state with a masters degree.

Thanks!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by EZ_E_83

In brief, I intend on relocating to L.A. this summer/fall. I won't have a job on arrival so can you guys tell me what are the best jobs to pick up right away that will pay for rent, gas, etc. while I find a career-related job.

If it matters, I am moving from out-of-state with a masters degree.

Thanks!

What do you do now?
Masters Degree in what?
What jobs can you leverage your degree for?

[EZ_E_83]

it's a degree in architecture. Got any suggestions?

[sll3454]

Get the job first. Right now there are no "pick up" jobs, or someone would have picked them up. Even if you can't get your real job before you move, either have something lined up or bring savings to pay the rent.

Sorry not to be more encouraging.

If you have a job now (career-type or other) you should keep it for a while during your search and while you save money. If you aren't employed now, can you get a non-career job where you are, and work on finding the architecture job from there? Or work and save enough money that it will be okay if you don't find the transition job?

[Mr.Bungle]

"pick up job" /= paying rent while you look for an architect type job. You'll have to bartend and rent a room. Get the gig first.

[EZ_E_83]

Thanks guys, honesty is always the best response. L.A. always seems to have something for everybody, from my experiences, but with this recession, seems even L.A. is a stick in the mud right now. It's ridiculous that a recent grad with a masters is having a hard time finding a job, geez. I guess now I have to learn to bartend...ha

[uptown_urbanist]

Good luck finding a bartending job -- I think they're in high demand right now. If you don't have experience I'd try something else. Check with the temp agencies to see what type of jobs they have. I know my husband's company has been using temps lately; I think they're reluctant to commit to hiring on someone new right now, but still have work that needs to be done. I know there are specialized temp agencies out there; maybe you can get a temp-to-hire position, or at the very least answer phones in an architecture firm and at least make some contacts.

Unfortunately I have friends with masters and years of experience also having trouble finding permanent jobs (in a variety of fields) in LA, so yes, it does seem to have really hit everyone.