*** Survival Jobs

Need to pay the bills until you sell that script? Studying for your next career move and need some extra money? Or laid off and still looking but your mortgage is looking to get paid? You need a survival job. rnIn Los Angeles survival jobs are common nature for many people especially those in the entertainment industry. The joke is that every waiter has a script or a headshot in his/her back pocket ready for his/her break. rnBut survival doesn't have to mean food service. What is the secret? Here are ten tips to help you survive. rn1. Make as much as possible from doing as little as possible.rnHarness your expertise to become a consultant. Work as a waiter but in a high-end restaurant with big tips. rn2. Look for a job with flexible hours.rnYou need time to pursue your art, go on interviews or write papers. 9-5 jobs are not good for that. Evening temp jobs such as wordprocessing for legal firms or working weekends at a call center are. rn3. Balance experience with dollars.rnWorking as an assistant can give you great experience, fabulous contacts and amazing access to decision-makers. But it can also be a trap. You stay there two years, five years or ten years and you are not learning anything new, you are not reaching your own goals and you are probably still making peanuts. Cut the tie and go for it! rn4. Don't get sucked in.rnYou have fun at work. Your boss loves you. they offer you a promotion and more hours. Suddenly your survival job is your life. Great as long as that is what you want. It's sad to give up your dream for benefits. rn5. Look at both sides of the equation. rnAre you working three survival jobs you hate so you can live in a great neighborhood, drive a great car or eat at great restaurants. Be clear about what your budget is. Can you cut back your spending so you can cut back your work? Get back to basics!