Life In The Last Lane

Written by Lorrette 3 Comments
Last Updated:: January 27, 2010

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Life In The Last Lane

by Myer Thompson

Like any good writer, I did my time in the City of Angels. I went there looking for the same thing 6 million other aspiring writers and actors and waiters went looking for. I scoured the classifieds, I cold called , I did everything I could to wedge a foot in the proverbial door. I worked temps jobs, odd jobs, no jobs and all for naught. They say after five years in LA you do one of two things: you either stay forever, or you leave for good. Me? I'm trapped in a 6-by-6 closet in Manhattan.

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Happy? Me? Well, you could say I jumped from the frying pan, into the fryer. Fair enough. I went from the second hardest city to live in to the first, and by comparison, it feels so much easier out here. Yup, I sold my used Toyota, all my surfing gear, and hoofed it to the great island. It's not that it's any cheaper out here -- it's just easier to get around. Out here, we don't need no stinking cars. That's the best thing about NYC, all the walking you get to do. Even in the snow.

Ok, I'll admit it -- I miss Los Angeles. There, I said it.
Despite it's terrible traffic and horrendous reliance on cars, I miss it. I miss the energy, the palm trees, the beach. I miss just about everything about it, expect for the 6 million other people who took away my chances at super stardom. Ok, that was harsh, but still. It's no fun being a small fish in a massive pond.

You have to be aware of the clash of currents when you're a creative type in LA. On the one hand -- meaning current A -- you're eager to meet fellow actors and writers and build up a professional network of colleague. But, on the other hand -- meaning current B -- you can't afford to lose out to your fellow actors and writers. It's a slippery slope that just keeps getting more and more slippery. After awhile -- like 5 years -- you just have to come to grips with reality.

I know what you're thinking. Now, a move to NYC may not seem like a very restorative one. Granted, there are just as many wannabes vying for the same 10 job slots, but somehow the atmosphere is more acceptable. You expect the harsh climate and asphalt jungle to give no quarter, so ask for none. In Los Angeles, the weather was so beautiful, the beaches so close you couldn't help but get swept up in the whole California love vibe.

So, if you're coming for your five year stint in Los Angeles, be sure you have a surf board, a lap top, and a
(http://www.recycler.com/search?keyword=Used+Toyota) used Toyota to get around in. Best of luck and see you in New York!