could i move to LA with 10K?

[btownbuck2012]

So i've pretty much decided i'm going to pursue the stand up comedy dream. I've got a college degree, internships, and am currently working for a company in Indiana trying to save up some cash. If I don't get fired, by next May I'll have close to 30K. Worst case scenario I'll have 10k. is that enough to move to LA?

I figure when I first get there I can get a job at Mcdonald's or Burger King and live in a **** apartment. I would go to NYC but it gets cold there. I figure with LA if I have to be homeless for a bit I can at least sleep outside.

Thoughts? How long will 10K stretch in LA?

 

[The_flying_dutchman]

Los Angeles is expensive. 10K is not enough of a cushion.

 

[taiyuu_otoko]

Do you have a car? If you do that will help. If not, that's gonna take a bite.

Figure 1-2 K for a dependable ride.

If you check around, you can find weekly apartment rentals for 700 a month, but you'll have some sketchy neighbors.

That should take you 2-3 months, if you add in food.

If you get a minimum wage job, for 20-30 hours a week, that MAY give you enough to cover rent, maybe, after taxes.

 

[Hustlaz Ambition]

With a 10k salary you're going to be among poor people for sure. California has too many taxes so it isn't even worth being wealthy there.

Living in a poor area with all its gangs, illegal to carry a gun in California, and being overrun with a bunch of crazy wetback gangs? No thanks, California is SO 1990s people are leaving Cali by the 100s each year for a reason.

 

[Beowolf]

You don't have to go all the way to LA. There are many famous comedians who are from Chicago, like Obama for instance.

 

[samspade]

$10k is a fine cushion. You will find some kind of job within a month, even if it's folding clothes at the Gap. I moved to LA with far less. I got a big apartment with a roommate and we paid $650 each, $822 in today's dollars. The place had a small pool. And no it was not in a poor area with gangs.

My advice is that you don't get sucked into "new car" culture. It'll be tempting to finance some sweet ride. Better to buy used and get a small loan from a bank if you need. If you already have a car that's great.

Follow your dream and you'll find a way to make it work.

 

[btownbuck2012]

Do you have a car? If you do that will help. If not, that's gonna take a bite.

Figure 1-2 K for a dependable ride.

If you check around, you can find weekly apartment rentals for 700 a month, but you'll have some sketchy neighbors.

That should take you 2-3 months, if you add in food.

If you get a minimum wage job, for 20-30 hours a week, that MAY give you enough to cover rent, maybe, after taxes.

Yeah I have a car. It's old though. It's a 94' Altima. The guy I bought it from knows cars like nobody's business and is a trusted family friend. He told me it'll get me to California. The only problem is that I need it to do more than just get me there. I don't want to get to LA and then have it die.

 

[btownbuck2012]

$10k is a fine cushion. You will find some kind of job within a month, even if it's folding clothes at the Gap. I moved to LA with far less. I got a big apartment with a roommate and we paid $650 each, $822 in today's dollars. The place had a small pool. And no it was not in a poor area with gangs.

My advice is that you don't get sucked into "new car" culture. It'll be tempting to finance some sweet ride. Better to buy used and get a small loan from a bank if you need. If you already have a car that's great.

Follow your dream and you'll find a way to make it work.

When and where did you move from?

 

[samspade]

When and where did you move from?

I moved there in 2002. That's why I adjusted my rent for inflation for you. I moved from NYC, so I was used to expensive. Lived in the Los Feliz area which is on the east side, near Burbank and Hollywood.