[Kileykb]

I moved to NYC from Massachusetts about 5 years when I went to grad school for acting. I have since graduated and have been living in NYC for 2 years. I don't have a job and have just been temping to pay the bills (which hasn't been working at all). I recently decided to get a full time job as a receptionist or administrative assistant (like the jobs I had been temping at). I've been using the staffing companies and online ad sites like craigs list, to find job postings and apply for jobs. I have been having very little luck. They don't like my lack of experience in full time jobs and they don't like my school background.

I have been considering moving back to Massachusetts and finding a place to live there and finding a job there. The benefits of this idea would be that I would be closer to my family, hopefully the rent would be cheaper, and I'm hoping the job market would be a little less fierce than NYC. The disadvantages would be lack of transportation (I think I would need a car and I don't like to drive) and there is nothing in MA that is a sure thing except my family. (I don't have a job or a place to live.)

I've been trying to think of advantages of staying in NYC. I have an apartment here, which is not ideal because it is too expensive and I have no control here and I've never felt comfortable in the apartment. Basically, I've gained 30 - 40 pounds in less than 2 years because I was too afraid to use the kitchen (and other reasons.) My other roommate has said that I tip toe and sneak around the apartment (which is true because I don't want to bother anyone.) But it is a place to live. Even though my apartment situation has changed, I still have a bad vibe about the apartment.

I don't invision being able to get a job here because I don't have any experience.

I don't want to move to MA just on a hunch that it will be better in MA. While I can't picture myself working and living in NYC, I also can't picture myself moving back to MA.

I'm also worried that I will become even more reliant on my family, which I am already too reliant on as it is.

Does anyone have any advice?

[tombabula]

What about your friends? Can you count on their help and advice? I do not think you school background is problem, just try to find job or internship that matches your academic background. When you apply, try to call employers to see if they went over your resume. There is so many people in NYC and job applicants that I am sure it gets hard to even get selected from list. I would not recommend you to go back to MA, if you have choice to stay. Go to your school where you went, and ask Career Center for assistance in job hounting and writing a good resume, cover letter, etc. The next thing you could do is to apply with agencies that will find job for you! Hope it helps!

[Wondergirl]

Move to Chicago! The rent here for an apt certainly must be less than in NYC, you wouldn't need a car since the metropolitan area has buses, the L, trains, cabs. The main part of the city (the "Loop") is dense and small enough that you can even walk to places (or ride the L etc.). Of course, you don't know anyone here, so it would be an adventure for you.

Otherwise, stay in NYC. That's where the action is. Get into acting with little theatre groups or in a bit part in a play or musical. Lose the weight and stop being such a wimp! Be proactive, as they say! Moving back home will seem like defeat on your part, will invite pity, and will make you and everyone else think you can't survive in the Big Apple. Keep doing what you're doing and add a challenge a week.