How long will $20k last me in Seattle? (Shoreline, Edmonds: fit in, rental)

[Capo]

I'd suggest a bit more detailed of a budget than that as that there are other costs which will add-up. Examples are:

- Car insurance
- Health Insurance (at a minimum I suggest you get a major medical policy in case of disaster)
- Renter's insurance (often required)
- Car maintenance
- Cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper/Paper Towels/Etc
- Do you want internet? Likely need this for job hunting

Etc...

Basically, I suggest you make a detailed budget and leave yourself a little wiggle-room. If you're aggressively job hunting this will likely entail new clothes, lots of driving, possible lunches/dinners for networking, joining local communities, etc. Make sure you leave yourself enough resources to properly present yourself.
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[calibound1]

Thanks for the reply, Capo.

- Car insurance - $71
- Cell bill - $35
- Health Insurance - I don't plan on buying until I find employment. I exercise regularly and generally do not have any health issues.
- Renter's insurance - hopeing to opt out until I find employment
- Car maintenance - I drive a newer vehicle that does not require much in maintenance
- Cleaning supplies - will need
- Toilet paper/Paper Towels/Etc - will need
- Do you want internet? - Yes, hoping this will be included with an all-inclusive type furnished rent location

----------------------

Given all that in mind, here's what I have calculated:

rent + utilities/internet, etc. - $800
Vehicle insurance + cell bill - $100
Food - $700
Miscellaneous expense - $400

That will put my monthly expenses to $2k/month. A $20k budget should last me about 10months, however I am confident I would be able to find employment within 6 months. *crosses fingers*

Thoughts on the above calculation?

[Hemlock140]

I said 18 months, and stand by it, but 6 months to find a good job is very optimistic. I know 3 people that have been trying for well over a year, and more layoffs are coming now at the schools, so teachers and classroom aids will be out there competing too.

[calibound1]

Originally Posted by bisjoe

I said 18 months, and stand by it, but 6 months to find a good job is very optimistic. I know 3 people that have been trying for well over a year, and more layoffs are coming now at the schools, so teachers and classroom aids will be out there competing too.

I work with a specialized skill within software development so I believe my job opportunities will be slightly different than those involved with education. I appreciate you offering your point view though.

[Xanathos]

Originally Posted by bisjoe

I said 18 months, and stand by it, but 6 months to find a good job is very optimistic. I know 3 people that have been trying for well over a year, and more layoffs are coming now at the schools, so teachers and classroom aids will be out there competing too.

He's in IT. Those of us in this industry don't have the same problems the rest of you have. Just a fact of life. I don't even know how many firm offers I've turned down since I moved here. The only thing we've got to contend with is a lot of companies attempting to circumvent the system by simply hiring their IT staff as permanent contractors. They need a full time employee, but they don't want to provide things like holiday pay, vacation, benefits, etc. It's pretty rampant in IT right now. Stay away from companies like those, though (displays horrible ethics) and everything else falls into place.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Xanathos

He's in IT. Those of us in this industry don't have the same problems the rest of you have. Just a fact of life. I don't even know how many firm offers I've turned down since I moved here.

Yes, in fact Amazon has been hiring like crazy.

[Xanathos]

Originally Posted by bisjoe

Yes, in fact Amazon has been hiring like crazy.

Them and everyone else. Just today I fielded calls from AT&T, Costco, Dendreon, and PACCAR. Happens all the damn time. Not enough people to fill the positions.

[calibound1]

Amazon is actually at the top of my list for companies I'm targeting. They currently have multiple open positions for my area of expertise. I won't be in Seattle until the end of May so I am in a bit of a conundrum as to whether I should go ahead and apply. Honestly, I wanted to take a little break from working once I finish up my sentence at my current company, which should be by early May.

Anyone have experience with applying to or working at Amazon?

[Capo]

I think 10 months is definitely doable and that you can squeeze even more if you're willing to cut further and pick-up some work on the side.

If you're a developer, I'd highly suggest looking into some short-term contract gigs or side projects if you don't get any quick bites. It can be a great way to generate extra cash and to network.

I think you'll be fine, just be pro-active with your budget and monitor it very closely.

[tandasullivan]

I recommend Air Bnb - you can rent a room (or a sofa) for nearly nothing and usually includes utilities so makes for inexpensive living without a great deal of baggage. ..