NYC job market

[mzteris]

Hey - anyone know what the job market is like for an 18 yo without a whole lot of work experience?

[KurtNYC]

1. easy to find work but tough to pay the rents on it

[tech3149]

2. Well if you're fabulously good looking, well spoken, and extroverted you will find a job, no problem

It won't pay very well and you'll have to share a closet sized apartment with five other people. Even if you have some tech or specialty skill, there will be 100 people going for the same job you want.

[mzteris]

4. Well, of course I think

my son is fabulously good looking. He actually is quite well-spoken and very much the extrovert - he's a natural born performer.

We know it won't pay very well, but he is going to have to help supplement what I can give him because I can't do it all. Starbucks, waiting tables, retail sales, something to bring in a little extra so mom doesn't have to foot the whole bill - which I can't afford to do.

The plan would definitely be to "share" with other people, but I don't think he truly understands what he might be getting into. He just spent five weeks there in a dorm so thinks NY is fabulous! The apartments he got to see probably weren't indicative of the kind we'll be able to afford. Most of the other kids there came from $$. He doesn't.

He hasn't made a final decision, but really wants to go the NYC route. He's a ballet dancer with an opportunity to continue his training at a very good school that would open up a whole lot more future possibilities.

However, he also has an opportunity to train and perform at another Ballet company in Pennsylvania. Not as much training (about half the time in the studio training, but more performance/rehearsal time.) Not to mention it would be a much cheaper place to live. . . .

So anyway - thanks for answering. Just wondering what it's like. Trying to figure out all the factors in making the "big decision". It sucks having to make decisions about your kid's entire future based on $. I could maybe make it all work, but I'd be sacrificing most all my retirement (which I'm close to) of which there isn't that much! and what I'll be able to spend on his younger brother's future endeavors.

[tech3149]

8. My niece came down to go to school in NY

She was heavily subsidized by the family. She did OK and even got a few gigs on stage. I'd probably recommend being a bigger fish in a small pond but I might be too risk averse.
If your son is into the arts and especially dance, give Pittsburgh a thought. You can live for cheap and be exposed to some of the most skilled artists in the world.

[mzteris]

9. Thanks.

I, too, am not a risk-taker. But he says roll those dice! He's 18, single, free, and unencumbered . . . he's also broke. ha! I think being a bigger fish in a smaller pond is good, too, but he thinks he's too young to "settle" for the sure thing.

I'd love for him to go to Pittsburgh! We're huge Steelers fans!! Besides, one day I hope that's where is "little" brother plays football. lol (yeah, I know - long shot there, too. :sigh: got a few more years, tho - he's only 13! But he is 5'10" & 210 and still growing. )

Heavily subsidized - by ME - is the supposition. His dad SAYS he'll help, but we all know how that goes. . . I suppose if he were going to college, I'd be subsidizing that, too so I think of it as the same. Preparing for a career - just a different route.

Thank you for responding.

[TomClash]

3. What does he or she want to do?

What is this person passionate about?

That is a more important question.

[mzteris]

5. see my response just upthread

#4 - I was writing as you were. I rambled a lot. . . lol

Basically, he just needs a pt job to help make ends meet while he studies ballet.

He used to be a pretty good magician. He speaks some Chinese, a little French. He's great with people, especially kids. He's erudite and smart and funny. He's a hard worker who will do what it takes to make it as a dancer.

[TomClash]

6. He won't have a hard time

I'd apply for an internship to nyb or abt if I were him.

[mzteris]

7. internships don't usually pay, do they?

He'd be taking classes from abt's feeder school. I'll mention that as a possibility, though. Thanks.

[TomClash]

10. Many do in NY

Anyway there are tons of coffee houses and retailers and restaurants near his school. I would be surprised if he had a big problem.

[mzteris]

11. Thanks.

That's good to know. And those may be more familiar with dancers and their schedules.

Now, if we can just find him a place to live . . .