ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS please help (Boston, Cambridge: to rent, how much, school)

[serendip1]

Hi all,

I am from Upstate New York and just graduated with a degree in Communications. I have the opportunity to rent out a room in Cambridge with a relative.

I'm not sure exactly how much it will be, but about a $12/hour job would suffice to pay my share.

I have to decide within the next two days whether I want to do it or not, and I would move in early August.

Does it sound like a good idea? What are some things to consider? Good places to start networking and looking?

Other info:

-The relative works in finance and is well-established and connected. He tends to rent out his rooms to various interesting people; I would be living with another young girl who works in communications.

-I have a somewhat untreated case of ADD

-10k safety net

-Probably want to go to graduate school for psychology

[mdovell]

In all due respect a fair amount of the federal aid for graduate school is going to be changed soon so you might want to put that on pause for the moment.

Even with a roommate I think you'd need more than $12/hr to make ends meet.

Did you want a car?

Some things here and there cost more than other areas. If you smoke I'd highly advise you quit because the cost is sky high.

For connections I'd recommend linkedin. Connect with people you have as friends, relatives and alumni. I'd do this first because from there you might get other connections (remember the old shampoo commercial "and they told two friends?" same thing)

[serendip1]

Thank you for your response.

I think that would be enough for at least the six months or so I'd be with my relative, it will be cheaper with him; but how much do you think I should aim for? Especially for when I move out?

I don't need a car. And I have a LinkedIn with some people in Boston already, even if they aren't in my field I suppose I'll ask them for coffee or something.

Could getting a job at one of the universities help me get money off tuition if I wanted to attend?

Do employers do Skype interviews or something ??

I'm sure this topic is covered in other threads, so if anyone wants to link me to any they find to be most helpful I'd appreciate it. Anything about the culture, job-hunting, networking, etc.

My relative is flexible so he said I can take another month or so to make up my mind. Another option I have is Washington D.C. where it might be easier to get a job.

[civic94]

12 an hour would be fine if you have a roommate, it really depends on how much you have to pay per month after utilities, and you have to really budget.

I know someone that makes 9 an hour, lives with roommates, and he doesnt spend on anything except basic necessities, only eat out once per month in a fast food joint. Its not a good life but its still bearable for now.

the biggest thing is, if you want to start a family in the future, you have to rent a studio, then if you have kids, they you need at least a 1 bedroom, and thats when a family definitely struggles. its easier to live cheaply by yourself.

[serendip1]

it will be hard for me to give up eating out/drinking whenever I want but I expect to have to make that adjustment. and I'm 21 kids aren't on my radar yet, if I have 'em I'll probably end up living somewhere else lol.

Whereabouts does your friend live? Does he use public transit?

[civic94]

he lives within walking distance to a subway stop, and yes he uses the T.

I think in the boston area, if you live alone and with roomates, you will do fine. like I said, the biggest peoblem is when one starts to rent a place that you have your own kitchen, bathroom, and front door. The cheapest studios that some of the people I know that rents is 600 a month, in a bad area. if you want any studio thats somewhat safe, by Public transit, its at least 750 a month, its in malden and quincy.