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I just landed a "good" job finally in which I can apply the skills I've learned in school and contribute to society. This job that is in very much a in-demand position in an area that will be greatly needed in the future is paying a mere 32k/year. What's deceiving is that the statistics that I saw prior to getting into the field was that the average salary for this job was much higher (45k/year to be exact). Thinking that this might be an outlier of sorts, another job in a same area doing the same thing is paying just about the same amount of money.
So I am looking into housing and purchasing a vehicle. INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE!
My entire PAYCHECK is going to be going to be paying to simply live.
AND I'M A relatively young, SINGLE MAN with no family, animals, medical bills, etc!
I have NO idea how families are doing it. I see all these huge trucks / SUVs (I see at over 30k at the dealerships) on the road (no doubt they are gas hogs as well). I with my great job am looking at some 2001 vehicle so I can pay cash and not dig another $15k or so of debt to my tally. I could get into food, utilities, cable, internet, Iphones, etc.. I have a little used phone I got off Amazon with just about the cheapest plan available (no smart phone). Eating out? forget that.. can barely afford to eat in.
So a little rant. What's kind of funny (got to laugh about it) is that this job is a promotion from a "good pay" of $9.75/hr.. a mere $750 check give or take for a two-week pay period. For those with one of these Dodge Ram's, probably that entire paycheck is paying for the payment and gas.. not including Rent, Food, Taxes, etc..
I am amazed.. I don't know how people are doing it.. I guess the welfare system is keeping this economy a float.
All the hard work finally paid off.. as I push my rusty bucket on wheels down the road hoping to get to work.
Perhaps the huge trucks you see on the road are being financed by their "owners". If those folks are also making mortgage payments on a house, they're in a crummy situation. It's not a good idea to have a note on two things at once.
Your former "good" pay of $9.75 was not a decent hourly wage. I wonder what made you think it was.
What kind of vehicle are you considering? I'm glad you're thinking used instead of new.
I just landed a "good" job finally...
My entire PAYCHECK is going to be going to be paying to simply live.
1) it may not be as good a job as you think.
2) pay yourself first (save/invest) no matter how much you earn
3) live on a LOT less than you earn
Quote:
This job is paying a mere 32k/year.
...the average salary for this job was much higher (45k/year to be exact).
Where are you located?
In Peoria IL the $32,000 is enough to maintain a modest life on your own hook.
You'll need to share a home and limit yourself to a modest car... but you can maintain.
Go up to Chicago let alone to Manhattan or Los Angeles and you'll be on welfare.
Last edited by MrRational; 11-03-2013 at 07:33 AM..
I just landed a "good" job finally in which I can apply the skills I've learned in school and contribute to society. This job that is in very much a in-demand position in an area that will be greatly needed in the future is paying a mere 32k/year. What's deceiving is that the statistics that I saw prior to getting into the field was that the average salary for this job was much higher (45k/year to be exact). Thinking that this might be an outlier of sorts, another job in a same area doing the same thing is paying just about the same amount of money.
The average is meaningless. Median pay tells you more than the average can. For my field and my school, the average starting pay is $110K, but the median starting pay is $78K. A few highly paid people can skew the average up and distort the picture.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikelee81
So I am looking into housing and purchasing a vehicle. INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE!
My entire PAYCHECK is going to be going to be paying to simply live.
AND I'M A relatively young, SINGLE MAN with no family, animals, medical bills, etc!
Adjust your expectations and live accordingly. I live in a very high cost area and my expenses barely exceed $3K/month, actually, I think my expenses are less than $3K/month.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikelee81
I have NO idea how families are doing it. I see all these huge trucks / SUVs (I see at over 30k at the dealerships) on the road (no doubt they are gas hogs as well). I with my great job am looking at some 2001 vehicle so I can pay cash and not dig another $15k or so of debt to my tally. I could get into food, utilities, cable, internet, Iphones, etc.. I have a little used phone I got off Amazon with just about the cheapest plan available (no smart phone). Eating out? forget that.. can barely afford to eat in.
Most families are living on more than $30K/year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikelee81
So a little rant. What's kind of funny (got to laugh about it) is that this job is a promotion from a "good pay" of $9.75/hr.. a mere $750 check give or take for a two-week pay period. For those with one of these Dodge Ram's, probably that entire paycheck is paying for the payment and gas.. not including Rent, Food, Taxes, etc..
What makes you think the owners of those trucks are making $30K/yr?
In Peoria IL the $32,000 is enough to maintain a modest life on your own hook.
You'll need to share a home and limit yourself to a modest car... but you can maintain. Go up to Chicago let alone to Manhattan or Los Angeles and you'll be on welfare.
No car is needed in Chicago and rent can be as low as $500-$600/month with a roommate.
I'm with MrRational. it all depends where you live and how you live. We were living in a town of 2500 and were buying a house on an acre lot for $650/month. I have never owned a new car and probably won't. As long as it's in good shape and drivable that's all that matters.
The best statement on living on what you have coming in came from a sweet little black lady who died in the 70s at 98 yrs old. All she had coming in was her social security. My mother asked her how she made it on that one check. All she said was "I pays what I owes, and I make do on the rest." Can't say it any better than that.
You can make a living and have a place to live and a car on just about any salary. Might not be something close to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but it's yours!
Is your usual way of communicating to complain? If so, how about considering changing the pattern? Force yourself to make positive comments and try developing that habit. Complaining is a way of life for some people. Is there any way you can muster up thanks for your job?
Is your usual way of communicating to complain? If so, how about considering changing the pattern? Force yourself to make positive comments and try developing that habit. Complaining is a way of life for some people. Is there any way you can muster up thanks for your job?
I saved the rant for the internet. I'm not a habitual complainer, but the frustration looms.. but your right regarding being thankful for what you have however.
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