Suggestions on Boston or New York (Wellesley: student loans, real estate, insurance)

[maybececi]

I'm a graduating senior for one of the colleges in the greater Boston area with two career options that I need to make a decision on in a couple weeks. Since they are both rather attractive I'm stuck in the thinking process and want to here some other perspectives different from my family and friends'.

Option 1: A full time consultancy job in Boston with a $60K/yr pay package.
Option 2: A full time Commercial Real Estate training program that pays $45K/yr for the first 18 months. After that pay is dependent on the department I choose to join.

A couple of things that I need to consider: 1. I'm originally from New York. $45K is not enough to live comfortably in New York so I will have to live with my parents in their house in Queens. They are not really conservative but very strict so I won't really have a vibrant social life. 2. I have some student loans to pay off and currently has a plan to save up and go to business school in about 3 years. Even though both companies offer tuition reimbursements, they are for part-time extension courses instead of full-time degree programs. 3. I'm still in college and will most likely switch jobs and try out different things. I want to meet interesting people in different industries to get a sense of what I want to do next or in 10 years.

Having spent college in/near Boston I often feel that it's a bit older and doesn't offer young people the same kind of career development opportunities as New York. I have always lived and interned in New York and was anticipating going back to work and live in Manhattan with some friends, until the job offers came. Now I don't know if I should spend a couple of years here to save up because Boston has a lower cost of living or go to New York and endure the whole "hi mommy I will be home by 2am" scenario.

Any comments would be really appreciated!

[MagicTouch]

It sounds like your heart is really in NY, if the pay was higher I think that is where you would go without question. So is there any way you can look into renting a place with a roommate or roommates? This way you wouldn't have to live with Mom since that seems to be your only real objection to going to NY. I only state this because in looking at your post you have more cons to staying in Boston. You need to weigh everything and see what suits you and your needs best. Personally, since you have been out on your own I don't think you would do well living under Mommy's roof. What do you think she would say if you said you will be home at 2am, and then if you don't get home till 3am. She will be up waiting and worrying (I know I'm a mother of adult children). Also you won't be able to have friends over and do your thing, I know you will feel limited. She will have certain expectations to living with her that you may be willing to do but once you are there it will be hard on you as a young single female. Staying is Boston is an alternative but what would make you the happiest. Staying in Boston or going to NY ...... Just my 2 cents ...

[maybececi]

MagicTouch:

Thank you for your advice. I've actually been leaning toward Boston.
Could people help me out here: how helpful do you think it is to have a car and drive if you live in the city and commute to work in the suburbs?

[HowGoesIt]

I would go with the higher paying job as a consultant and stay in Boston. At this stage in life, I would go with whatever job you think would give you the more impressive resume experience. Say you work as a consultant in Boston and eventually want to move back to NYC in a few years. You will probably be making 6 figs with your experience.

Also, having a car in Boston and commuting to the suburbs is no problem. I lived in Brighton for a few years out of college and had a car. I live in Beacon Hill now and rent garage parking, very easy. Where in the 'burbs would the job be?

[smarty]

You are kidding when you say you are offered $45K for the NY job... Can you even survive with that pay. Oh... you're staying with your parents.

May be if your parents decide to charge you rent, you will not have a hard time making this decision. In any case, I suggest your parent charge you rent. This way, it will keep you discipline about saving for college, house, ... etc. instead of spending on clothes... even Zara... can add up fast...

Btw... why do you think you have time to go out til 2am? Most intern jobs I heard wants you to work 14+ hours a day. Also, these intern jobs are very very competitive. Many start and few make it. I wish you well.

[maybececi]

HowGoesIt: Thanks for the advice. Moving to New York within the same company is actually something that had been brought up by some of the people I talked to. So it's definitely possible. By the way, my original question is whether it would matter a lot if I don't have a car. I want to save up and insurance is quite costly. The office is in Wellesley.

smarty: Thank you too for your comments. My parents of course are not likely to charge me rent but I've decided to pay anyway. Regarding the time: of course I won't go out until 2am every weekend. But my experience with holidays that I spent at home is that once I step in, there is no leaving because it's far out in "suburb" Queens. Or when I do go out, I will have to worry about whether I can stay with my friends in the city or get a ride home. It's complicated. The training job, if what the current participants I met told me the truth, is strictly 9-5, or 10-6, unless I want to do more social networking or classes, which would be inconvenient given the commute I have to endure.

[smarty]

If the office is in Wellesley, you'll need a car.

Since you're young, I can only suggest going to a program that will give you a better future. Don't worry about the pay.

I just saw your NY post... From the sound of things, you're still thinking about what fits. If you go into sales, you have to have confidence and be very aggressive. You do not have years... but days and weeks to show what you are made of. The company will get rid of you or you'll starve to death if you don't meet the sales goals. They may give you a year to show you can make it in this business. Just remember there will be another batch of interns next year. Those who are hungry... will most likely get it. Just think of it as having a final exam every week. There is NO effort grade.... just result.

[HowGoesIt]

You need a car. Insurance isn't that much as long as you don't have a luxury automobile. I would buy a pre-owned Nissan or Honda and zip around town that way. A car is the way to go in Boston. Plus, if your making 60k, it will be enough.

[mhz123]

You can find studios in Brooklyn for ~ $800, (Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, and some other nice areas too). So it comes down to which Job you think is best for you. NYC is definitely a better scene for young people.