If you plan on moving to LA, please read. (Los Angeles: rent, month to)

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by BluSpark

There was a book about that very topic published many years ago called A Catcher in the Rye.

Holden Caufield's older brother (a writer) left NYC and wound up in Hollywood writing screenplays in the movie business.

I need to reacquaint myself with that classic. Last time I read it was because it was required reading back in 8th grade, and that was back in the sixties. I'll no doubt have a different take on the book now that Miss Clarke isn't demanding that I read it.

And I'm a few years older. Forgot that part.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

I need to reacquaint myself with that classic. Last time I read it was because it was required reading back in 8th grade, and that was back in the sixties. I'll no doubt have a different take on the book now that Miss Clarke isn't demanding that I read it.

And I'm a few years older. Forgot that part.

That's a book which is wasted on the young who've never been to NYC. When I was in high school I'd never been east of Phoenix so I didn't enjoy it as much as when I re-read it at age 40.

[msneon1980]

May I ask what the 'decent savings' were? I'm planning a move myself and just trying to get some ideas.

[matpa]

I am moving out soon with 2 of my best friends that I have been friends with since I was literally 5 years old. We are all around 25 with college degrees (2 engineering degrees 1 accounting degree). I am coming out with the least money of the 3 of us by far with around $2500-3000. I know I will be scraping by and am prepared to do so.

My degree is in accounting, but I will be hitting the streets looking for work as soon as we get a place to live. I will not be picky at all with the work I get and have a fairly wide range of experience. I managed an Abercrombie for a while, bartended, waited tables, done construction, landscaped, worked in a grocery store, etc. I will not be picky with the work I happen to get at first so long as I can establish an income for myself and get on my feet just a bit. If it requires working 70 hours weeks at minimum wage to start then I realize that's what I'll have to do. I have a strong drive to make it work and believe we will be fine.

[MathieuL]

I am moving to LA for an adventure, something new, a fresh start at my adult life.

Having been living in Montreal all my life (I am 22 years old) I got bored here and fed-up and LA is definitely an exciting place for a young cat like me and ever since I was 16, that's all I have been talking about.

I am moving to pursue studies, I am aiming @ Santa Monica College, where tuition for an international student is $6,000 per year and might go down a little after a year (if I can get myself a Resident Card)

In total personal money, I'll have between 8-11k at my disposal and will find part-time work to round up my end of the month.

Might move alone in a Studio Apt, or might move in with roommates (I have a few options lined-up, as I got some offers to move in with some friends)

It will help on the financial side, my big hope is to find some Financial Aid and help pay for the tuition for the 2 years ($12,000).

The school requires a statement that I have $21,000 in my bank account, which I don't. Especially that NO ONE is helping me with the move, I am saving up the money all by myself, and I will be coming there with NO DEBTS at all. I only have 1 credit card left. (When I cleared the others, I cut them since there was no need) and I have a good name which will certainly help for a loan and stuff.

I am going to pursue a bachelor in Computer Science then I want to head back to college to pursue a Marketing-Advertising degree and combine both. And even if it will be rough, I know that with a Bachelor in Computer Science, I will make more than enough money to provide for myself.

Rough 2 years ahead, but it will be worth it.

[ILdÐÆMcº³]

I'm very happy for you, but a lot of us that are trying to move are fresh out of college with no experience. The prospects aren't as bright for finding related work or any work for that matter. I'm not trying to be negative but I have seen people end up on the street so it is possible even if you try your hardest.

I'm not saying don't do it, but have an escape plan so if things don't go well you will have enough money to get somewhere safe. Perhaps with parents or somewhere you know someone that can get you a job.

[Imoverit]

I moved to LA in early 2008 w/ 20 years of construction experience under my belt, $27,000 in savings & I was getting unemployment checks for 18 months. Now, I sleep on a friends couch & get food stamps. I tried to get ANY job I could, I even once tried to get a temp job hanging christmas lights & was denied. The other day, I checked my sent mail, for the email account I have to do strictly job stuff. In nearly 3 years, I sent out 1630 resumes. Thats not counting all the online applications Ive filled out & telephone calls made. Nothing. Ive had 2 interviews in 3 years.

[allenk893]

Originally Posted by Imoverit

I moved to LA in early 2008 w/ 20 years of construction experience under my belt, $27,000 in savings & I was getting unemployment checks for 18 months. Now, I sleep on a friends couch & get food stamps. I tried to get ANY job I could, I even once tried to get a temp job hanging christmas lights & was denied. The other day, I checked my sent mail, for the email account I have to do strictly job stuff. In nearly 3 years, I sent out 1630 resumes. Thats not counting all the online applications Ive filled out & telephone calls made. Nothing. Ive had 2 interviews in 3 years.

No offense, and I feel very sorry for your unfortunate experience, but only 2 job interviews in 3 years?! You should have checked out a LONG time ago buddy. Why would you stay there? That has to be one of the most crazy stories I've read. After 5 months of no interviews, I would have threw in the towel and left. What is keeping you there? You need to start living. You are suffering. You need to move to Texas. Seriously. I'm thinking Austin is a good choice for you. There's jobs here, great universities, great people, weather is okay, and there's a thriving night life. It's perfect for young people right now. In this economy, your going to have to give some things up and look for better opportunities elsewhere if your present location is not doing it. And I don't know what CA is doing for you. It's a great state and incredible cities - no doubt. But your situation is totally unfair. Regardless of how you handled it. You should have been gone and tried to establish life somewhere else where you can actually have a life.

[odannyboi]

Originally Posted by Imoverit

I moved to LA in early 2008 w/ 20 years of construction experience under my belt, $27,000 in savings & I was getting unemployment checks for 18 months. Now, I sleep on a friends couch & get food stamps. I tried to get ANY job I could, I even once tried to get a temp job hanging christmas lights & was denied. The other day, I checked my sent mail, for the email account I have to do strictly job stuff. In nearly 3 years, I sent out 1630 resumes. Thats not counting all the online applications Ive filled out & telephone calls made. Nothing. Ive had 2 interviews in 3 years.

Unfortunately, blue collar work is competitive (especially in LA) so experience is not relevant in it (you need connections). You may also want to redo your resume. Take it to a pro to modify it.

2 interviews out of 1600 applications means you are doing something wrong.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by wilczy

the point of this story is not that we made it. its that YOU can make it if you really want to. you may have to work hard, you may have to tighten your belt and you may have to sacrifice much but if you have an education, have ambition and a good attitude YOU CAN MAKE IT.

I agree with you. Problem is, most of us don't have enough of the necessary qualities. Most of us are not super ambitious risk takers willing to make sacrifices to make things work. And responses on forums like these are directed to that reality.

I'm glad you beat the odds, though