Heading to California alone!

Podgoricka

as the title says! i'm planning on heading off to California alone this summer.. I am a student, and I also have got a J1, HOWEVER at them moment the J1 is a just in case measurement. I got a very good deal so i went with it in case i need to get work over there... as its gonna be expensive..

Now my question is this... what do ye think of me going it alone!! good bad indifferent?

lil_lisa

It depends on what you expect to do there. What have you lined up in terms of accommodation or activities? How long are you going for?

Podgoricka

If I do decide to work, ill probably base myself in San Diego.(hope to find a job in water activities or along those lines) however, if not im gonna work ill move about from place to place over 10 weeks. maybe head inland a good bit too and down to mexico. i plan on going for just under 3 months.

lil_lisa

Jobs in Southern California can be quite scarce during the summer. Having any sort of connections at all will help you.

However, if you go the non-job route and try keep yourself busy for the ten weeks, it could come out to be very very expensive. If I were you, I would look at getting 2-3 weeks work during the summer and at least then you'll have time to still travel around, have a bit of experience and more money to spend.

There is a lot to do so you won't be bored, as long as you're creative and motivated.

Podgoricka

Thanks for your help and advice!! would i be optimistic by hoping 2 grand would get me through 10 weeks?? including food and accom?

Thats exactly what i am hoping on doing is just working for a short period of time and seeing what happens from there!! iv no contacts either im afraid to say!

lil_lisa

Have a look through craigslist.org between now and the summer, it's usually good for temp or contract jobs.

Also, go directly to companies/places you'd like to work. For example, get in contact with someone here about a job or here or here. Just a few examples of places that could possibly have a position for you.

Accommodation can be difficult to find on a monthly lease, it would cost about $600+ a month. I would definitely recommend sharing a place if possible as many places are not furnished. You might find somewhere with tenants that have a month or two left on their lease and want to rent out a room before they leave!

Popa_irl

Dont worry about travelling alone. I went to san francisco alone a few years back. It was the best experience of my life. You'll meet people eventually. Especially if you go to San Diego, loads of irish there but i prefered San Francisco.

In terms of jobs, i found it easy to get a job in san fran in '08 (start of recession). Play GAA with the clubs, there are loads in san fran but none in san diego, and the lads will get you a job. Also craigslist is great too.