I didn't mean to be complaining. It's just an unexpected outcome for me. I can't remember ever having to look for this long before. About half the work I've done has been under my own employ and 80% it has been in Taiwan or China. Truth be told, I've never dealt with a "real HR" department before!

I've got a $500/month place in Chinatown, and really haven't found anything near that price with English speaking landlords. It's not to the point of missing rent or anything that dramatic yet, but I have taken on some $11/hr writing and translation work via various freelancing sites as well as some similarly priced work on a rails project. It's the surest way I see of surviving long enough to beat the chicken and egg problem of getting relevant experience.

Just don't tell prospective employers about doing programming gigs for $11/hr, that certainly doesn't speak very well to your judgment.

Can you offer some constructive advice?

I've been actively seeking something paid at a higher rate using platforms I've already worked on (iOS or JS/CSS), but it's going slowly. Translation is good for helping me continue to use and strengthen my 2nd (or 3rd) language. The rails work is priced as it is because I've never used rails before and I'm spending at least half the time reading docs. It's not a good long-term money-making solution, but I am learning and I'm adding something to my portfolio.

What would someone with good judgement do if their funds were running out and finding a real gig was clearly in sight but moving slowly? Missing rent would bring all kinds of pain I don't want to deal with and wreak my credit.

I'd love to hear the arguments for doing $11/hr programming jobs instead of just getting downvoted.

While I felt compelled to downvote you, I won't since you ask nicely. You should explain how it doesn't speak well for his judgment. Doing translation work isn't the same as programming on the pay scale, and any respectable employer should realize that when it comes time to discuss compensation for a programming position. In fact, I feel it speaks highly of his character in that A) he's motivated enough to continue with some form of work while looking for a programming job, and B) that he has the talent to do translation work in the first place.

You may have missed the "similarly priced rails work" part. I did on my first read.

Any employer who can't hire you in a week start to finish either doesn't actually want you or is too defective to be worthwhile. Maybe two weeks if it's out of the area and you need to fly to visit them for the final round of interviews.

(the exception being for VP/COO at larger companies where a board would need to sign off)

> Move out to Oakland

From all that I have heard and read, do NOT move to Oakland.