Can I live "comfortably" with 42.5k a year in Austin? (insurance, daycare)

[aajohnny]

Hey,
I'm new to this form, I'm sorry if this is in the wrong spot:P but I am moving to Austin,TX for a full-time job (Associate 3d Artist for a major video game company), and I have never lived on my own before, let alone in a different state (from NY). I was offered the job at 42.5k a year and that's really the most they'd go, they said they checked competitive salaries within the area and came to the conclusion that is the most fair they can offer for entry level. This is pretty much my dream job, I'm leaving school for this. My question is: Is 42.5k a year a good salary to live on as a single, 21, male? I am pretty cheap when it comes to things, so I won't be blowing my money, but will I be making enough to start and live comfortably? or just be scraping by?
Thanks

[EzPeterson]

Will you have any bills?

What is comfortable to you?

[HeyImMelissa]

Yes you should be fine. If you want to save money, I'd advise staying away from downtown or getting a roommate or two.

[AustinGuy]

Originally Posted by aajohnny

Hey,
I'm new to this form, I'm sorry if this is in the wrong spot:P but I am moving to Austin,TX for a full-time job (Associate 3d Artist for a major video game company), and I have never lived on my own before, let alone in a different state (from NY). I was offered the job at 42.5k a year and that's really the most they'd go, they said they checked competitive salaries within the area and came to the conclusion that is the most fair they can offer for entry level. This is pretty much my dream job, I'm leaving school for this. My question is: Is 42.5k a year a good salary to live on as a single, 21, male? I am pretty cheap when it comes to things, so I won't be blowing my money, but will I be making enough to start and live comfortably? or just be scraping by?
Thanks

It isn't a great salary, but if you have roommates and are flexible with where you live, you should be fine. Just be aware that the game industry is pretty cyclical as well as hit or miss, so if there is a downturn, lots of people get laid off.

[aajohnny]

I'll have bills like internet service, utilities and rent, that's about it (I plan on getting a car once I have enough saved up really so maybe insurance for that too). My company pays for pretty much all my medical, dental and vision believe it or not so that isn't a issue. Comfortable for me is being able to sit back and relax without having to worry about just making it the next month, being able to eat out, go to the movies, buy a video game every once in a while.
Hopefully that answers your questions.

[aajohnny]

Originally Posted by AustinGuy

It isn't a great salary, but if you have roommates and are flexible with where you live, you should be fine. Just be aware that the game industry is pretty cyclical as well as hit or miss, so if there is a downturn, lots of people get laid off.

Yeah totally I understand. I plan on saving money as well to have as a cushion in case I get laid off. I could always do freelance as well for extra money as I have no problem finding freelance work.

[balor123]

My main concern is the leaving school part. You should follow your dreams but also recognize that dreams change, especially in your 20s while you're still figuring things out. The video game industry is a tough one and I've met people here who say it's slowly dieing here, though I don't know how credible those statements are. You'll have about $900/mo to spend on housing so if you live downtown, which I'm assuming you'll want to at your age, then it's definitely doable but you'll have to share with a few other people probably. I spend about that on daycare for two kids here right now so unless your spouse makes a good income then you'll probably have a tough time raising a family on that later if that becomes your goal. Your income will probably go up 20-30% by that time though.

[winkosmosis]

Are you sure leaving school for a $42k job is a good idea?! I guess it depends on what your prospects would be once you get your degree.

[aajohnny]

Originally Posted by winkosmosis

Are you sure leaving school for a $42k job is a good idea?! I guess it depends on what your prospects would be once you get your degree.

Yeah,
Well I have been involved with the game industry for 4 years now and active in the professional community. I've talked to seniors and recruiters , etc. As a game artist you don't need a degree and people with degrees make no more or less than someone without, I know a few senior artists in high ranking studios that have zero degree. All you need is a portfolio, talent and experience (which is what I am getting with this studio to move up pretty much). It's hard to grasp, but I wouldn't leave school at all if I knew I needed it honestly.

[kiacook]

You sound level-headed and if the game industry is where you're headed anyway and this is your dream job jump on it! $42k is great for someone your age in a field you love. You can enjoy Austin on that.