Dear Terrified:  One of my close friends out here recently compared her acting career to an unhealthy dating relationship: she threw all of herself into this one passion, poured her money, energy and love into it and received nothing in return. Unfortunately, this is the one career track that is as much about luck as talent, but I'm sure you know that. With so many people scrambling for a chance, it just isn't a fair fight. Not to hammer the dating analogy into the ground, but when a male actor friend came to me with the same frustrations, my advice was to treat his acting career the same way he would pursue a girl as a single guy. What girl is turned on by a guy who has no other hobbies or passions, who relies solely on her for happiness, who doesn't have other coals in the fire?   Girls are attracted to independent, happy, confident guys - if the girl has competition, that attraction skyrockets. What I mean is: the best thing you can do for yourself as an actor is not to give up, but to find other things that also fill you up with happiness. That positive energy will feed into your confidence and your career. Not only will it give you interesting talking points at meetings with casting directors/agents but it will also release that self-sabotaging feeling of desperation and negativity. Instead of enrolling in an acting class this year, try volunteering with a charity (the people you meet will inspire you as an artist in ways you never imagined) or learn a new skill (woodworking, painting, a foreign language, photography, gardening). This doesn't mean giving up on acting AT ALL, it just means accepting new experiences in an effort to reclaim control over your career. Control the things you can by creating your own projects and focusing on your personal growth, and release the things you have no control over, such as what a casting director has to say after an audition. In regards to moving to Los Angeles, you should definitely trust your gut. It is an awesome city, but it is not necessarily the right city for everyone. Make sure you move out here with a clear plan of action. Logistically, you should know that pilot season lasts from January to early April.  Casting directors usually scout from May to December and are far too busy to look for new talent once they are knee-deep in pilot season. Agents are the same way - the good ones aren't signing on new talent during pilot season; they are pitching their solid veteran actors who they know will book. Even really talented actors lucky enough to be armed with agents and managers still struggle to land auditions. Chances are, it will take quite a few months to just plant your feet and even longer to network your way into any sort of representation. So if you do move here, plan to stick around long enough to participate in some plays for free, act in student films, enroll in classes, etc. I really hope everything works out for you. I think everybody - myself included - goes through a period of "Is this what I should do with my life?!" As we get older, it starts to feel like we can't reverse our decisions. However, I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and whether you find success as an actor or not, it doesn't mean life won't take you in another cool direction down the road. That's what's so fun about the whole thing.

Dear Chattervice:  I feel like I'm on a wild goose chase! I've recently graduated from college and have been going on TONS of job interviews.  Problem is, every person I meet with, hands me off to someone else. I feel like I'm getting the run around. How do I turn these meetings into an actual job offer?  - Not Yet Employed Dear Not Yet Employed:  Congrats on securing so many interviews!  You are obviously on the right track and making productive choices to make it to that level.  While I don't know specifically why you are having trouble landing these jobs, I do have some suggestions for rocking your interview. -  First, own your time with your interviewer.  Be punctual, dress professionally, stand up straight, look people in the eye, and present yourself with confidence.  -  Remember that you are also interviewing the company.  Do your research and know specifically what talents/skills/experience you have that will benefit them and why this particular place is the right match for you.  Have some specific questions prepared in advance that show your passion and interest.  -  Connect directly with the person you will be working under.  This could be as simple as sending an email requesting an interview directly to "the boss" rather than starting your job search with HR.  "The boss" may refer you to HR, but if you can get their support and/or interest in advance, it may expedite the pre-interview process. -  Be yourself.  Have a sense of humor and allow them to see that you are normal and reliable.  If you have outside interests/hobbies/talents that make you unique, mention them!  You may have things in common with your interviewer, and these are often the details that make you memorable. -  Before you leave the interview, be sure to confidently state that you really want the position and ask when they are making their decision.  -  Immediately follow up afterwards with a handwritten thank you card that reinforces what you discussed in your meeting. -  If possible, have one or two past employers call or email on your behalf.  If you have ANY connections to that company or person, now is the time to ask them to help you get the job.  These references show that you have positive relationships in that field of work and will help keep you in the mix. -  If you don't hear back, politely follow up.  Be aggressive, but not a crazy stalker.  -  If you do not get the job, fear not.  They may consider you for job openings in the future or know of other positions elsewhere, so keep in touch occasionally and stay positive! Good luck!