From Austin, Tx to St. Louis MO (St. Charles, Creve Coeur: daycare, how much)

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by Brickmama

I'v been asked for a previous w2 form for a potential employer before. It just so happen to be one of the biggest banks in the country.

Yes, this is actually common in many industries and has been for a long time. It's not every place or even most places, but it exists.

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by Smooth from ELP

I am being considered for a position within Monsanto. The salary is close to $80K. Would this offer a comfortable lifestyle in St. Louis?

I welcome unbaised opinions on areas of town to live in or avoid, demographics, recreation, schools for young kids (6 year old with Aspergers, 4 year, 2 year old, and 3 months). Wife has a job that may be transferable to STL.

Thanks in advance for your insight!!

Either Salary would be fine in Stl.

Where to live depends on what you seek? As others have pointed out, the areas around your work are well thought of suburbs in the area which would make for a short commute to work. Your work is located on the border of the inner rung and outer rung burbs in Stl. You could really pick anywhere in the metro area and be fine with a commute, urban or suburban.

[DeBaliviere]

If you want something suburban, check out Olivette - it's close to Monsanto, has a good central location, and is in the Ladue School District, one of the best in the area.

[Smooth from ELP]

Just had another interview with Monsanto. It went very well. They said to expect something positive in the next few days. But they are firm on the salary and no relocation assistance. Dont know if this is gonna happen if they dont budge.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

I would think $80k would be enough to live comfortably in St. Louis, anyway.

[Smooth from ELP]

Originally Posted by STLCardsBlues1989

I would think $80k would be enough to live comfortably in St. Louis, anyway.

Yes I agree but not for a family with four young children. Wife would need to work.

[jasonrDE]

I think your issue with the pay cut maybe due to cost cutting measures inside the company. Goggle recent news and numbers for the company and you might see what Im talking about. Im interning here and really enjoy it.

[TGS]

Originally Posted by Smooth from ELP

Yes I agree but not for a family with four young children. Wife would need to work.

I don't agree at all. As long as you don't eat out a lot, live in a reasonably priced area, and send the kids to public school, then 70K-80K is more than enough to live comfortably. The cost of living here is very low. There are also a lot of free attractions for kids (zoo, science center, museums) compared to other cities.

I have friends that are doing just fine in the exact same situation. In fact, with the cost of day care it usually doesn't make sense for the wife to work until all or most of the kids are in school all day.

[AJohnston_STL]

Originally Posted by TGS

I don't agree at all. As long as you don't eat out a lot, live in a reasonably priced area, and send the kids to public school, then 70K-80K is more than enough to live comfortably. The cost of living here is very low. There are also a lot of free attractions for kids (zoo, science center, museums) compared to other cities.

I have friends that are doing just fine in the exact same situation. In fact, with the cost of day care it usually doesn't make sense for the wife to work until all or most of the kids are in school all day.

I tend to agree. I make $50k and things are tight, but we have a nice 3br 2ba place in the city in a good neighborhood, with 2 vehicles, satellite, cable, etc. In other words, we live well but within our means.

That being said, I work with a guy who probably pulls down around $70k, has 3 children - one of them being severely disabled....and he pulls it off with a stay at home wife.

[Smooth from ELP]

Thanks for everybody's input. IF I do accept an offer then I would go by myself first. I do have other options on the plate too so I am considering all of them equally.