Another wayward midwesterner

[noonion]

McDonald's is always hiring.

[PDF]

Originally Posted by noonion

McDonald's is always hiring.

So you're going to bank on that? You might not even find a 40-hr job even there in less than a month. I'm thinking that 2 grand would last at most a month, as you still have to find a shared apartment and all that.

[noonion]

It's possible if you just jump right in to the first paying position you can find, preferably not porn, although an 80's hair band could be rewarding. But that's not to say it would be exactly easy. But what kind of adventure ever starts out smoothly?

It's still not set, though. So thanks for all the advice, it has been really helpful in my search.

[Cloudwalker]

Try some of the backpackers and travellers hostels (hostelword site has a reasonable listing, but there are others as well). It will be a dorm room and nothing glamorous, but you'll be paying $20-30 a night and you'll be in a good spot for hearing about casual or temp work and potential roommate situations. You can use the kitchens to make your own meals (some places include breakfast) and they are usually pretty close to public transport. It's definitely not a long term option, but it'll give you somewhere to stay without blowing all your money and you usually meet some interesting and adventurous souls as well (at least in my experience).

Do make sure you google for reviews of any places you find, not all hostels are created equal. And be careful with anything valuable. Most people travelling are pretty honest, but there's always one... $2000 is not a lot, but many have done it with less. You seem like someone who is confident and motivated with well-honed survival skills - my pick is you'll make it happen. Best of luck.