Stupid to move to LA without securing a job first? (Los Angeles: apartment, lease)

[TunaBoy]

I've been wanting to relocate to back to LA but it's tough finding a job when you are out of state. I work for a public accounting firm. My internal transfer didn't happen for some reason. Now that it's warming up here in NYC it's not so bad, but this past winter I was miserable. Any tips?

[MordinSolus]

Just keep at it. I wouldn't move to any major city without a source of income first. Even if you have family in Los Angeles it's impossible to know how long it will take to find work.

[TunaBoy]

Originally Posted by MordinSolus

Just keep at it. I wouldn't move to any major city without a source of income first. Even if you have family in Los Angeles it's impossible to know how long it will take to find work.

I could always find any retail job to stay afloat until I find a real one. But then again, it might be hard to find a decent apartment without any proof of income.

[BRinSM]

if you have public accounting experience, you shouldn't have much trouble finding a job in LA, even if it's just temp/contract work until you find a good long term position.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by TunaBoy

I could always find any retail job to stay afloat until I find a real one. But then again, it might be hard to find a decent apartment without any proof of income.

You won't be able to have your own apartment in L.A. on the wages offered by a retail job. You'll be lucky if you can afford to rent a room in someone's house.

[ryanms3030]

Do you have enough money saved to live here 6 months without working? That would be my first question before picking up and moving across country.

[icestar]

I would base my decision on how many jobs you see available on Dice, Monster, etc for your type of work. Start sending resume, with a cover letter that includes - I don't need relocation fees. It will make the employers more apt to really look at your resume. Start sending them out now if you are ready to move in a week. Employers will typically allow you 2 weeks to come to work.

Get familia - if not already - with Skype. They will want a phone and a skype interview at the least. Renting an apt can be a problem here - without a job. Most of the large complexes will take you on a short term lease. You may a bit more per month and they will discuss a deposit amount - usually the same as rent. Keep in mind they have now decided that it is more expensive to live in LA than it is in NYC.

Just prepare.

[MItoBH]

Originally Posted by TunaBoy

I've been wanting to relocate to back to LA but it's tough finding a job when you are out of state. I work for a public accounting firm. My internal transfer didn't happen for some reason. Now that it's warming up here in NYC it's not so bad, but this past winter I was miserable. Any tips?

I am planning to move to LA but I wouldn't dream of moving there w/o a job lined up first. Like the other commenter's suggestions, you should focus on finding a new job first, and once you secure it, be prepared to move within the two-three weeks. The offer letter is what you'll need to secure a place to live.

However, a lot of people do move to LA w/o a job and eventually find something. I did that when I moved to Maryland, and then New Jersey, but that was in the late 90s, early 2000. We live in different times and LA is too damn expensive to risk it.

Start saving NOW.

[notaproblem39]

Im in a similar situation. Im going to get enough savings to where i could live there for a year or two Without working. then ill move and focus on getting a job. Its tough applying out of state while youre currently working.

[TunaBoy]

Originally Posted by ryanms3030

Do you have enough money saved to live here 6 months without working? That would be my first question before picking up and moving across country.

If I figure the costs below:

1500 apartment
650 car
1000 food and entertainment
3150 a month total

Yes I do have 6 months.

Originally Posted by icestar

I would base my decision on how many jobs you see available on Dice, Monster, etc for your type of work. Start sending resume, with a cover letter that includes - I don't need relocation fees. It will make the employers more apt to really look at your resume. Start sending them out now if you are ready to move in a week. Employers will typically allow you 2 weeks to come to work.

Get familia - if not already - with Skype. They will want a phone and a skype interview at the least. Renting an apt can be a problem here - without a job. Most of the large complexes will take you on a short term lease. You may a bit more per month and they will discuss a deposit amount - usually the same as rent. Keep in mind they have now decided that it is more expensive to live in LA than it is in NYC.

Just prepare.

I have been applying but no response. Most don't even consider if you live out of state. That's the problem i'm having. How is LA more expensive than NYC? You can't get anything decent in NYC unless you live in a shoebox or the hood.