Whats The SECRET PEOPLE?!?

[Defined_Within]

Originally Posted by austindoxie1972

I can tell you [after years of working in marketing and PR] that many of my 20-something co-workers are being bankrolled by their 50-something boomer parents. These parents are truly loaded! I have co-workers making entry-level salaries who are living in $500,000 condos. Trust me: the bank of mom and dad are taking care of the major expenses.

I wish my mom could give me money!!!

[normie]

My hat's off to you, but going it alone is a hard way to go. Buying and maintaining a house is like raising a family--much easier if you have a partner. It doesn't have to be a spouse. Some people buy houses with a friend (have a good contract if you go this route). Some people get help from family members. For most people, getting help from another person is "the secret."

[saganista]

Everyone gets help from Mom & Dad. No one was ever any good at changing their own diapers, so it's just a matter of how long it can go on from there. Parents who have money naturally want to help get their kids off to a solid start in adult life. Parents who don't have money would like to do this also, but, by definition, they don't have the money, so maybe they try to help out in other ways. If there is a 'secret' -- a common path to being able to deal effectively with the cost-of-living in this area -- it would probably be having two incomes in the household. So many do that you're at a competitive disadvantage if you don't. This is especially important early on, and a reason why many couples choose to delay parenthood into their 30's. Two 20-somethings each with a decent income can live pretty cheaply and salt enough away to serve as the financial base on which to conduct the rest of their lives. Otherwise, get good at doing something that some other people need done, then make it as easy as possible for them to have it done by you. A reputation for being things like professional, reliable, and easy to work with will add as much to your lifetime earnings as a degree from Harvard, so don't neglect that aspect of things...

[Yankeesfan]

Saganista, good point, to the OP: focus well on your career. No need to be a workaholic -- they burn out and become unbearable -- but do concentrate on doing your job well. You never know what advancements or other opportunities may come your way due to having a good reputation and proving yourself. Interpersonal skills are VERY important. My husband is on a hiring committee and he has seen young people with impressive resumes from stellar colleges talk themselves right out of a job offer because of serious personality flaws. Not often, but it happens. I don't mean you need to be a flashy talker or anything, be yourself, but be a team player. And while having a degree from a prestigious place may lead to more interviews right out of school, over time that advantage fades in the face of experience and reputation. You really are on the right track! And it sounds like you also have the type of job that offers benefits such as insurance and some kind of retirement plan, is that right? If so you're even further ahead of many people your age.