Side note: LA Talent

LA is not a place where Talent rises to the cream of the crop (more like heels rising over head. Just kidding!...not really.) Actually as the nickname states, it is truly Tinsel Town where what flashes isn't always cubic zirconia. It is a very image-based town and sometimes just looking the part will get you a lot further than being capable of it. [I cannot tell you of how many Malibu Barbies have gotten promotions based on their ability to strike a pose versus their ability to strike up a conversation.] Intelligence, ability, proven track record go a certain way but it takes a rare individual who realizes your potential (and is not threatened by it) enough to take a gamble on you and put you in a different position. [Hollywood loves to put you in a box and if you perform so well on your "stage", it is loathe to promote you. "Finally we have someone who knows how to do XXX!!" Problem is, you can multi-task with the best of them. Does that mean you want to pickup dry-cleaning forever? NO. "But you do it sooo well!" Bite me.]

Just so you know, not everyone is out to get you. Not everyone is threatened by new talent. Not everyone is afraid to take risks. But Tinsel Town plays it safe so you will probably be twiddling your thumbs before you move up, unless you keep looking for the next rung up. You get in a job, get the title on your resume, and get on to the next job. If you wait for someone to give you "permission" to move you up, you will be waiting right along with Mr. T. If you see something, think you can do it (or bullshit your way through it fairly well) then by all means keep moving. Everyone is on a equal "use" basis. Just make sure you don't burn any bridges along the way, keep your exits graceful, and always ALWAYS get everybody's contact information.