How much would a waitress in Manhattan make?

Would moving to Manhattan make sense?

• I am really struggling with this decision, and hope to get some objective advice. You should understand first, that I come from an educated but working class family, (made up of nurses, social workers, teachers) and I am only supporting myself. No kids, but no one is helping to support me either. I say this so you understand that if I did lose my job, I wouldn't be homeless, but it would be a burden on family members if I had to move in with them. I am also 31 years old, widowed in 2006, and still currently single. I currently live and work in Hartsdale NY and pay $1050 in rent for a decent studio apt with utilities included in rent. I currently make $73,600, (I work in I.T.) but just got a job offer in Manhattan at $75,000. I'm thinking of accepting the job and just moving into Manhattan to be close to where I work. I'm a shy person and don't really do any entertaining at my place, so I would be fine moving into another studio. From what i've seen on Craigslist, a comparable studio to what I'm renting now in Manhattan would be about 1400-1500. My car payments plus insurance equal about 400 a month, and if I moved to Manhattan I would sell my car, so i'm hoping that it would end up evenening out with my increase in rent, plus most likely inclusion of utilities. Also, where I currently rent is month to month, which I really like, and I know i'd most likely not find that in Manhattan. And I also know the general cost of living in Manhattan would be more expensive. I could commute from Hartsdale to Manhattan on Metronorth, but the total length would be about an hour and a half one way, whereas I could move to Manhattan and just have a half hour walk to work, or 20 min subway ride. Argh. What should I do?? Should I refuse the offer and continue to work in Hartsdale? The place that offered me the job in Manhattan would be more prestigious and impressive looking on my resume than where I currently work, so that is something i'm considering too. Thank you so much for your advice!

• Answer:

  You sound like you want to go for this change in your life but are worried about leaving the old you behind. I say go for it. You've already worked out it's not going to mean to much of a financial burden and being so close to work will mean you have far more time in the evening for socialising. City life is more expensive but it is also more interesting and could be the exact thing you need in your life now, as well as a change to a more prestiguous sounding company. Also I am sorry for your loss. It can't have been easy losing someone so early on in your adult life. Good luck!