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So basically, I am a masters of accounting student and am considering applying to the NYC offices of accounting firms. My school has a good placement record, so there's a good chance I'll be working for a Big 4 or other multinational accounting firm once I move there and the average salary is roughly 60k all-in from what I've heard. This isn't a ton, obviously, especially when compared to finance/consulting types, but I'm hoping it's not too little either. Assuming all this, I'm still wondering if I'd be a good fit in NYC and was wondering if you all could help me out. Here are some of my concerns:
1. Just how bad is my lifestyle going to be: I mostly plan to be working (I will work a lot of hours in public accounting) and hitting the gym/preparing my meals during the weekdays, but I'd like to go out at least once a week. I'm also fine with living in Queens or Brooklyn as long as my commute won't be insane (I'd likely be working in the Times Square/Rockefeller Center area) and insane to me is >25 minutes one way by subway. I also don't spend a ton of clothes and will mostly be either bringing my old clothes or will buy a few extra, reasonably-priced, conservative clothes for my professional attire. If I do this, will I really be that miserable in NYC, because a lot of people make it seem as though <100k is below poverty level up there.
2. Will I really not be respected if I am not a banker/consultant or an "elite" person: I've heard that NYC is a very status conscious city and, even though it sounds naive, I guess I'm a little bit worried that it will be hard to build a social life (not just the women btw, although that's my prime concern given I'm a early-20s male ) if I'm not an ivy league graduate working on Wall Street or those types of jobs. The job I'd be working is definitely a solid line, but being frank, it's not super sexy either and even though I attend a so-called "public ivy", it's definitely not Harvard. Just how big of an issue is your "social standing" so to speak in NYC in terms of meeting people/dating?
3. Intellectualism Culture Prevalent?: I'm curious how NYC compares to so called "intellectual" cities like DC, Boston, San Francisco, etc. in terms of that culture. Truth be told, I don't really like the bar scene and have started to outgrow it now that I'm almost done with school. I'd rather sit down somewhere not noisy with friends and have an intelligent conversation with people about current events, their philosophical beliefs, etc. over coffee or maybe very light drinks. I know NYC is a megacity and I can probably find it SOMEWHERE in the city, but my question is how easy is it to do something like this vs the cities that are "known" for this sort of thing. I'm especially concerned that this may be harder in the outer boroughs, which is where I'd be living initially.
I apologize for the long post, but I need to make a decision soon (less than 1.5 weeks!) and I'd greatly appreciate any advice you all may have as I'm very unfamiliar with this area and don't want to make it based on (incorrect) assumptions/stereotypes I may have.
Nobody wrote anything yet, huh.. I guess people are getting tired of answering the same **** for individuals who want to move here, lol.
Depends where you live, but you can certainly go out once a week and prepare meals daily on a 60k budget. Obviously it depends on what you're going to be doing, but you stated that you'd rather have conversations over coffee or light drinks, so it should be doable without any issues. A lot of people make it seem like <100k is below poverty here? Well, that's pathetic.. Only idiots who are ungrateful would think like that. You can live quite comfortably on 60k salary. You also seem like a laid back type of person, so 60k is fine. If you're going to be working in Times Square, I'd suggest living in Queens. Queens is the best borough regardless, but the 7 train will take you straight to the Square. The rides won't be too long, but that obviously depends where you're located.
Hmm.. It all depends who you meet when it comes to social "standing". Some men and women don't care too much, some do. But you're an accountant, which is fine, so nothing to worry about. It all comes down to how you approach others anyway.
In terms of the "intellectualism" culture, I'd actually say that's easier to find OUTSIDE of the boroughs, instead of the city. Not too sure on this one, but I'm sure you can find others who feel the same way.
There are rich people and poor people in NYC. The key is compartmentalizing it all so you don't care about what makes you feel bad. There are tons and tons of people in your situation in NYC- find them and make it your own little society- you will do that by default from your entering class at the Big 4 firm. Same answer on the intellectual stuff.
Given your salary and commute demands, I'd live out on the 7 line like Sunnyside or Jackson Heights.
NYC is what you make of it. It a huge variety of opportunities, life styles and living arrangements to offer- other cities in the US don't even come close. There is also something here for every budget.
Don't worry about needing to be a hot shot banker- only the wrong kind of people in NYC care about that stuff.
To answer your questions- as long as what you are looking for is not piece and quiet - you can find it here in NYC.
If you want specific tips on moving to the city- where to live, how to find an apartment, whether or not roommates make sense, etc. I recommend this website (http://www.movingtonewyorkguide.com)
* Disclaimer - this is my website- which has a collection of articles on all kinds of topics related to moving to NYC- I hope that you find it helpful. moderators, if linking to this site is not allowed please tell me and I will remove the link ASAP.
Best,
Peter
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) if I'm not an ivy league graduate working on Wall Street or those types of jobs. The job I'd be working is definitely a solid line, but being frank, it's not super sexy either and even though I attend a so-called "public ivy", it's definitely not Harvard. Just how big of an issue is your "social standing" so to speak in NYC in terms of meeting people/dating?
