Employment for those without a degree. (Los Angeles, Sacramento: movers, townhouse, find a job)

[resident14]

I am a 22 year old male from NY looking to relocate to los angeles, start a new life and find stable employment. Moderator cut: see note


is finding a job that pays enough to live off of without a degree possible in Los Angeles.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Millions of illegals do it so I guess you can too. You just have to accept a very low standard of living.

[Fargobound]

There’s no guarantee that even if you have a degree in California that you’ll have a job. I know someone with a graduate degree in public health that’s driving old people around for $10.50 an hour in Sacramento.

[SalParadise]

One of the few industries that will pay a decent wage for non-degree labor is the film/tv business.

But that is a very tough business to break into. I am talking about the people who work behind the scenes building sets, etc.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by SalParadise

One of the few industries that will pay a decent wage for non-degree labor is the film/tv business.

But that is a very tough business to break into. I am talking about the people who work behind the scenes building sets, etc.

Many people have degrees for those kinds of things (lighting, set design/construction, etc.), so it's not like they are non-degree jobs.

Really the only way to break into that industry without any sort of relevant degree is knowing someone who can hook you up.

[SalParadise]

Originally Posted by genjy

Many people have degrees for those kinds of things (lighting, set design/construction, etc.), so it's not like they are non-degree jobs.

Really the only way to break into that industry without any sort of relevant degree is knowing someone who can hook you up.

I don't work in the entertainment industry so i claim no expertise.

But I do know a few guys who got into 15 yrs ago with no degrees. They've all done quite well. Not sure how each forged their individual path into it but i agree knowing someone is a BIG help.

[dbbd]

Depending on what field you want to work in it is possible. Moderator cut: see note, so I'm not sure what direction you want to go.

You should also consider that professional certifications (especially in an IT related field) can be more valuable than a 2 or even a 4 year degree.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by genjy

Many people have degrees for those kinds of things (lighting, set design/construction, etc.), so it's not like they are non-degree jobs.

Really the only way to break into that industry without any sort of relevant degree is knowing someone who can hook you up.

You can break in just by showing up to a hiring day for either a specific job, or more likely a production company (i.e. Live Nation, Goldenvoice, Another Planet up here in NorCal) or event service provider (Aramark) that does big events in your area. Those who move up do so by getting noticed not so much for expertise coming in, but more for hard work and understanding the job at hand, and just getting it done. Meeting and working with the movers and shakers back stage and showing what you're made of goes farther than anything else in the biz. Those guys supervising the lights, soundboards, and cameras might have spent as much time in jail as crewmembers did in college...but guess who gets the last laugh?

[HoliWood]

Originally Posted by resident14

I am a 22 year old male from NY looking to relocate to los angeles, start a new life and find stable employment. Moderator cut: see note
is finding a job that pays enough to live off of without a degree possible in Los Angeles.

I dunno how bad unemployment is in NY (ok, I have some idea about NYC, as I have friends there), but it's pretty bad in LA. If you have some money saved to live off of, and know a few people whose couches you can crash on for a long while...find a job as an unpaid PA (production assistant), or an intern in a small production company - they occassionally post ads on craigslist - and be willing to do almost anything when there and maybe you can work your way up the ladder eventually, but it takes yeeeears unless you "know" someone in the biz.

But that's not really the stability you're looking for. Next option is to move out and go to a temp agency, take their tests and qualify for admin placement so they can place you in office positions...it's one way to get your foot in the door with certain companies, and then really try to show them how indispensible you are as an employee, so they'll want to hire you on full time on their own.

Finally, have an awesome blog that dishes on the hottest trends/celebs/gossip (like Perez Hilton, though I personally can't stand him/his site). Get a twitter account attached to the blog, constantly self promote on there, attract a lot of followers, and attempt to network, get attention from local Hollywood peeps, and see what floats your way by way of offers/work...and constantly ASK for jobs from anyone with a job themselves.

But a stable job/life without a degree and a possible lack of employment experience (based on your age, I'm guessing but my apologies if I'm wrong) will work against you. Very hard to find work for the most highly qualified folks who already live here...but more power to ya if you can swing it and make it.

Good luck!

[Tasksgirl]

My advice is to focus on Internet companies, video game companies, etc. All the fun office jobs where you don't have to wear a tie, get free lunch, and there's beer at company events!

Be willing to start at the bottom and/or work part time.

5.5 years ago I took a chance and applied for a fairly well known Internet company. I started part time and worked my way up. I was barely 19 when I started. Now I make 50k, own a townhouse in the valley, and my next step is associate management

And I STILL do not have even my AA yet (2 classes left - no time as a busy working mom!)

I think of all the cities you have the best shot here because of all the 'hip' companies that value personality and experience more than just education. Think of all the companies you can and check their websites directly for openings. IE Netflix, yelp, fandango, pricegrabber, tripadvisor, msn, yahoo, eBay, neopets, etc etc. They usually all have offices in L.A.