How do I fit in Auditions for myself and 5 year old daugther when I have to work in office for paycheck.?

Question

I am planning to move from San Jose, CA to West LA next summer 2007 and want to know how will I be able to go to auditions in LA if you have to work in an office during the day? Are companies flexible because it's Hollywood or not? Also crime is higher in LA, how much do I have to worry about that in my final decision to make that move from Silicon Valley?
Is there anyone out there that has done the working and audition life or has some related advice? Thanks.

Answer 1

I'd like to address the how much do I have to worry question first. The amount of worry is entirely up to you. Having done the audition and trying to work route for myself, I would say you need a bit more preparation before hitting Interstate 5 to LA. Have you had success for you or your child in the San Jose area? Have you met with any of the top agencies in nearby San Francisco? How are you coping now? Yes, there is a larger community of people in LA already doing what you are talking about, but I strongly suggest you work in your own market first.

Answer 2

You need to decide which is a bigger priority: going to auditions, or working to take care of yourself and your child.

You can't expect companies to be more flexible because they are in LA or "Hollywood". If anything, they are far less flexible. They are companies just like any others and need to be able to depend on their employees to come to work and do their jobs in order to keep the company running smoothly. Don't take a job if you don't plan on performing your job duties to the best of your ability. A career should be more than just a paycheck. When you are a mother - taking care of your child should come first, before auditions and things like that.

Answer 3

Set the priority of Quality of Life. Decide where you will be happier working as you are or making an attempt to succeed in Hollywood. How many people have the dream of making it in Hollywood only to fall flat on their face and do the unspeakable. Stay in Silicon Valley, make a good life there and make your daughters future your priority.

Answer 4

I have lived in the Los Angeles area almost my entire life. While crime is a consideration most neighborhoods really are safe. If you end up here, there is a good chance you can form a group of people in the same situation who will help share the load. There really - are a lot of good people in LA.

--from the brain in NY

Answer 5

You have to make a decision. Are you and your daughter making enough money from acting, to live day-to-day?

Companies have a business to run. It's a gamble. If your daughter is making enough money to support your family, and you are also, it's an easy call for you.

Answer 6

i have done neither work nor audition but I suggest a baby sitter to give you some free time to enjoy life.