Can I Live on $30,000?

[suite1718]

Thank you very, very much. After thinking over what everyone has said, I think I'll look for a roomate situation. Looking over whats available on places like craigslist, it looks like I'll either get a box for $600 alone, or get a house for $600 with a couple roomates. I can't wait for August.

Thanks again.

[Hellene0707]

IT staffing at 30k - if you have any experience in IT staffing you are being WAY WAY underpaid - starting salaries plus commission is around 50k AND you can work downtown. Just an fyi.

[wallstreet1986]

Originally Posted by suite1718

IT staffing. Things are covered by the company in the networking respect, but thats only on work hours. All living expenses are mine, and $30,000 seems pretty sparse to me.

Anyway, after working in that position for 6-9 months, a promotion to account manager would give a much, much larger commission scale (the one for entry level in negligible) that usually ends up at around $100,000/yr.

I'd like the chance at living in this area of Chicago, just not sure its realistic with that amount of cash.

Sounds very dubious to me. Horrendous position. You should make far more than 30k at least 40 or 45k. Not possible to have car and do that all on 30k, you would need to live in a bad apartment near airport or Des Plaines proper to be comfortable. Of course they tell you that you can be an account manager in 6 to 9 months and making 100k. Do you trust them? I don't.

[pallygirl81]

I currently live in the Gold Coast and pay $750 for a small studio (in 2003 it was $650 and it will become $765 in July) it includes internet, cable, gas and water- Murphy bed and all new appliances). My building is owned by bjb Lincoln park (http://bjblincolnpark.com/) and they offer studios under $800 in Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast and Lake View. It won't be a glamorous lifestyle- but you can be in the right location.