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Most actors who are just starting in the business need to supplement their income (or HAVE an income) from a job that is other than acting.  It is important for the actor to be available during the day to go to auditions so a 9-5 job doesn’t really work.  A lot of actors are waiters/waitresses because the hours are so flexible and they can get away at a moments notice if it’s important.  Part time work is ideal, or night-time work if it allows you to have the time and energy to get to any appointments you may have during the day.
My friend Mary Pat had two jobs when she came to Los Angeles.  She demonstrated and sold Salad Dressing in local supermarkets and also worked for a Market Research company doing focus groups and product testing.  It put her in front of the public and gave her some cash to take class and rent a car and have a place to live.  She told me it took her three years to get to a point where acting was supporting her, and even then there were stretches of time when she had to go back to a “day” job.   It’s important to be able to sustain a life in Los Angeles as you pursue a career, as you never know how long it will take to get noticed.