EAR HARRIETTE: The ongoing union strikes have left me jobless as a writer's assistant for a major entertainment company. It has been a year since I moved to Los Angeles for this job, and now I'm left with the difficult decision of staying in the city to search for a new job or returning home to my family and familiar surroundings. While I have grown to love the vibrant city of Los Angeles and the exciting industry it holds, the practicalities of living expenses and the unpredictability of finding a job in such a competitive market leaves me unsure of what to do. Moving to LA and being a writer for this company have been my dreams since childhood. What should I consider before making this life-changing decision? — Lost in LA DEAR LOST IN LA: If your dream is to live and work in LA, don't give up just yet. Behind the scenes, the union and film executives are working overtime to come to an agreement. It is not easy, as both sides have their arguments. While they are at a standstill, you have to take action. Aggressively look for a job, preferably something that pays well and offers flexibility. Restaurant and bar jobs work well for people in the entertainment industry, but there are other options depending on your skills and experience.