Graphic designers making 42k a year made less than that before. Will I survive?

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Sorry, the title is confusing, I can't edit it, I meant to say that my previous job I made way less than 42k. So 42k has been my highest salary so far.

26, female with a puppy.

I live in Maryland and I have to say that the living cost here isn't the best with my salary but I'm surviving with a 42k by being a graphic designer. I pay $996 in rent, basically 1k, PLUS utilities and internet, putting me at around 1,150/month full rent. My first paycheck of the month is wiped from rent and utilities, while my second I use for some student loans, and credit card debt (with 0% interest atm for 15 months), pet supplies. I am able to take home more than at least $700-800 for my second paycheck and leave maybe some of it for food and some very minor stuff for my doggy. I get paid every 1st and 16th of each month. I will say from calculating all this, I AM ABLE to take some money home, unfortunately, with this year's tax refund, the gov't will be taking some money out of my bank in May, making me reset my whole budgeting system starting this June.

Anyways, this is my financial situation, and I have to say I have improved the past year or two because my old job paid me VERY LOW. BUT... I don't know, I'm still really depressed that I'm very behind financially and in life in general because of my low salary.

Yes I am going to find a new job soon with better pay.

While I'm typing this I'm not even sure what advice I am seeking. At the end I don't know if I'm able to survive financially in the future.

Oh, I have a 401k as well but putting 6%.

Posted May 12, 2022, 7:32 PM UTC

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awakeningat40•4 yr. ago

Until I had a husband, I always had a roommate. To live off 42k paying rent like you are, it's going to be extremely hard to get ahead

KReddit934•4 yr. ago

I agree that it's really hard without a roommate. Which means that you need to be very very good at budgeting and watching every penny. Especially because you've chosen to take on an expensive dependent (puppy.)

Prioritize getting debt paid off during 0% window, next building an emergency fund.

You probably should get pet insurance as one incident could wipe you out.

Then concentrate on enjoying your life and your puppy but in the lowest possible cost style.

Good luck.

k1ngsn0w•4 yr. ago

Honestly, graphic designer is a very vague term these days. I'd suggest looking at the industry as a whole, researching payscales for various titles, and finding something of interest that has a long runway for future pay increases.

MuddaTrucker•4 yr. ago

Look into ways of lowering your rent.. roommates, cheaper places to live (if that’s even possible up there), etc. other than the obvious “get a better job”, have you looked into other ways of increasing your income? Part time job for “fun money” or grocery money. Side hustles. Maybe even contract work as a graphic designer.. if that’s a thing.

[deleted]•4 yr. ago

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Sitherio•4 yr. ago

For survival, rent with more roommates is generally less expensive. Work on budgeting and eliminating any excess luxury may help free up more money per month for saving, maybe. Outside of that look into lower cost housing perhaps.

If you're struggling, it's all about cutting corners and you're already looking for better jobs. If you have free time, you could also try "gig" jobs or a second job for more income. Idk all your expense details, free time, and whatnot, so that's the best I can offer.

Finapoo•4 yr. ago

Your post gives the impression that you are smart, hard working, conscientious, and frugal. Struggling when you are young isn't the worst thing. Keep honing your craft and working hard - Good things will come!