Should I give up on SoCal?

[riversidestar2]

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I've been looking for a job in SoCal as a Research Assistant for a couple of months now and I'm getting disheartened. I've spent most of my life here, but the unemployment rate is atrocious and jobs are very hard to come by. I'm on my year off and I don't want to waste it (I'm guessing it will look bad), but it seems like I will have to move out of the state to work. I'm planning on applying to California schools (USC, UCLA, etc)

What's the better option? Get a research position out of state or work a random $8/hr job in California? Will it really matter?

 

[init2winit]

I've been looking for a job in SoCal as a Research Assistant for a couple of months now and I'm getting disheartened. I've spent most of my life here, but the unemployment rate is atrocious and jobs are very hard to come by. I'm on my year off and I don't want to waste it (I'm guessing it will look bad), but it seems like I will have to move out of the state to work. I'm planning on applying to California schools (USC, UCLA, etc)

What's the better option? Get a research position out of state or work a random $8/hr job in California? Will it really matter?

I would advise that you continue to look for positions and expand beyond simply research assistant jobs. I wouldn't necessarily go for something "random." Instead, look beyond RA work. What about working in a clinic (may be low-paying, but less random at least)? Or doing health policy or public health?

I can't tell if you have submitted your app this year or plan to do so next year, but the schools will absolutely want to know what you have been up to. Probably try to continue volunteering as well.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[ComfortCreature]

I recommend looking for other types of work before you look into moving. I worked as an RA for years and couldn't find a new job all summer. Now I'm teaching at a charter school and it's been great. Making the same money, working similar hours, and getting to use my brain every day.

 

[riversidestar2]

Thanks,

I have applied already this year. Just wanted to do something productive in my year off. I see a lot of postings for Front Desk/Medical Assistants, but I'm guessing that will mostly be receptionist stuff.

 

[Praefectus]

Compare costs between IS vs. OOS. Factor in paying for an apartment OOS and weigh that against living in your parents' basement. If you were feeling really bold, you could head up to South Dakota. They have an unemployment rate around 3-4% and housing is extremely cheap.

 

[sinombre]

Have you thought about scribing? Probably worth looking into. It doesn't pay well, but it's well worth it if you can save money by living at home.