How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

I just was checking out job openings on Craigslist and some other websites and I see companies offering salaries of $40k - 45k on LI and the city. How do they expect people to live off of that. Some people pay more than that for 1 year of college

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

It's unfortunate, but so true with the salaries, it's frustrating. I have been at my current job almost 10 years, and still not making enough to be comfortable on long Island(awsome benefits have kept me here though), that's why I am back in school I guess. UGH!

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

Yup. That's average for a new social worker starting out in NYC. Often less. Especially on the island.

I really think in order to be able to afford to live here, you just need 2 incomes or have inherited a house that's already paid off.

Message edited 7/22/2010 5:42:34 PM.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

For people starting out, yes that is very hard to live on that.
We are VERY lucky that we bought our home soooooo long ago BUT we couldn't live on JUST that one income either.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

That would actually be considered a mid level salary at my company (in Manhattan).

Message edited 7/24/2010 12:10:02 AM.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

I started out making $15K lower than your lowest number when i started in my last field.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

True, although depending on the circumstances 40-45K isn't that bad of a salary (for example a single person, no kids, just starting in their career, no house to pay off). I think many entry-level jobs start in that range (or less, like in the 20-25K range). But for someone with more bills to pay & a family to support, it definitely wouldn't go too far in NYC or LI. With the price of everything increasing, our salaries just don't stretch as far as they used to It's sad that a family now has to have a combined six-figure income at the very least to be able to afford to live comfortably anymore.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

I think that's a fair starting salary, fair even for someone with a few year's experience.
The cost of living is insane though, and LI doesn't have a lot of rental options like the city does.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

My first job out of college I was making 19K and paying for 3/4 of my benefits.

After I graduated from Law school offices on LI wanted to pay 35-45K.....so really I am not surprised by any salary.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

My DH and I actually both make less than that and we live quite well on Long Island. Its all about adapting your life to live within your income.

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

Re: How the heck do they expect people to be able to live?

i make 40K and dh makes less then that but with OT (basically two jobs worth of hours) he makes more then that. I can't say we live comfty but we manage it would be nice to have more that is for sure! I think the days of 100K+ salaries with benefits are long gone.