Maybe 60 is a bit optimistic for where I am now but it's really not that much of a stretch considering the average wage for a Medical Lab Technologist (which I'm considering for a degree) in this region is $53k. With a BS. My mother made roughly that much as a surgical technologist. We're the medical hub for the tri-state area and wages reflect that.
I know brokers locally who make six figures. Used to deliver pizza to their parties. Good tippers.
We have the most farms after Texas. Some farmers make 50-60k or more if they're good. (Though the average family farm brings in around 40-45k. But all that fresh produce and meat, coupled with a great quality of life, fresh air, exercise...) So I guess you could come grow soy and sorghum or raise angus. ;)
Lupercus' family is chock full of farmers and while not wealthy they're very happy people.
I need to do more research on vineyards but Missouri's wine industry is growing by leaps and bounds.
While the coasts decay the heartland is growing. Aerospace, big chem, biomed. They're fleeing high taxes and settling here. -
You're witty and creative. Why not become a professional Youtuber and make the big Google ad monies? I'd watch you talk about stuff while arting or cooking.
As someone who works in academia and advises students on career stuff, the trades are a brilliant choice. During the past decade, more people have the idea that a 4-year degree is required to earn a decent living, which is not true. If you go to a community college and earn certification in a trade, you can earn a great salary (actually, on par with what faculty make - though that's not as much as one might think).
I'd suggest making sure you enjoy the work and field, though. Consider that aside from sleeping, you're going to commit more time to your job than anything else.
Non top-tier medical stuff makes me nervous. Right now there's a huge demand because of "Obama Care" and Veteran issues. That's all going to decline during the next decade, although geriatric medicine will apt remain hot for a while longer. The medical stuff seems a bit bubble-ish to me. But, that's gut sense and not hard fact on my part.
One more thought set... only go for a 4-year degree if you have good reason and a plan - or - have scholarships/money to pay for it. Otherwise, skip it and go for trade training. Even if you have a plan that necessitates a 4-year program, it's smart to do the first two at a C.C. Big savings and often equal or better education unless you're eying private liberal arts colleges.
Farming (and vineyards) are great if you've already got the farm! Investing in a chunk of land, the necessary soil or shelter for the animals, permits, etc., is HUGE. I think a lot of farms get passed down in families, or else get purchased by those who already have a lot of money (see: a good chunk of vineyards; every one I've been to in our drives around the country, the folks who run it clearly have an economic advantage to start).
And eh, having watched the aerospace industry operate for the 20-some years (and even moreso lately, since that's Spot's job), they seem pretty happy where they are. I've watched the various State congressional meetings where they decide the amount of money & tax benefits the local aerospace company gets -- basically a bribe to stay in-state and continue paying those taxes. I suspect Connecticut's not the only state to do that, because you're right: taxes in the heartland are MUCH lower than anywhere on either coast *and* the cost of living is significantly less.
Which I think is why your 60K a year confused me, unless Missouri is as expensive to live as it is here? When I lived in Ohio, I got by in a 2-bedroom apartment on 26K a year. It wasn't great living, mind, I wasn't taking tropical vacations, but it wasn't bad (and most people would've had it better than me; a third of my salary went to medical costs that year). And Spot is supporting both of us on his salary, so in theory, half of that could cover one person.
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And thanks for that! I think I'm a little too self-conscious/socially anxious (not to mention terrified of all the rape threat trolls that exist on the internet) to become a YouTube star :) Maybe if I made an animated version of myself, or started a podcast where I didn't have to be physically seen...and could disguise my voice to not be female...hmmmm.
We're paying $550 a month on our mortgage. So no, living isn't expensive here. But I want those tropical vacations! Maybe not right away but dammit I'm tired of being a nobody living on 16-18k a year while my old friends have finished engineering or med school and started raising families. I can feel everyone back home judging me.
I grew up very much upper middle class (Which is why 60k doesn't seem that unreasonable a goal to me. It'll make my mom stop telling me I'm a failure too.) and I want that again. Dad used to take us all around the country. Sometimes international trips.
There are national parks that need visiting. Hot tubs, Teslas, and condos to buy. Future nieces/nephews to spoil rotten. Aging parents that may need help before too long. I really want to get across the Atlantic at some point too. -
Don't be afraid of trolls. The worst neckbeards can do is pretty much nothing. If you're truly concerned I'd usually suggest an over-under 20 gauge but...
I know brokers locally who make six figures. Used to deliver pizza to their parties. Good tippers.
We have the most farms after Texas. Some farmers make 50-60k or more if they're good. (Though the average family farm brings in around 40-45k. But all that fresh produce and meat, coupled with a great quality of life, fresh air, exercise...) So I guess you could come grow soy and sorghum or raise angus. ;)
Lupercus' family is chock full of farmers and while not wealthy they're very happy people.
I need to do more research on vineyards but Missouri's wine industry is growing by leaps and bounds.
While the coasts decay the heartland is growing. Aerospace, big chem, biomed. They're fleeing high taxes and settling here.
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You're witty and creative. Why not become a professional Youtuber and make the big Google ad monies? I'd watch you talk about stuff while arting or cooking.
Reply
I'd suggest making sure you enjoy the work and field, though. Consider that aside from sleeping, you're going to commit more time to your job than anything else.
Non top-tier medical stuff makes me nervous. Right now there's a huge demand because of "Obama Care" and Veteran issues. That's all going to decline during the next decade, although geriatric medicine will apt remain hot for a while longer. The medical stuff seems a bit bubble-ish to me. But, that's gut sense and not hard fact on my part.
Reply
Reply
And eh, having watched the aerospace industry operate for the 20-some years (and even moreso lately, since that's Spot's job), they seem pretty happy where they are. I've watched the various State congressional meetings where they decide the amount of money & tax benefits the local aerospace company gets -- basically a bribe to stay in-state and continue paying those taxes. I suspect Connecticut's not the only state to do that, because you're right: taxes in the heartland are MUCH lower than anywhere on either coast *and* the cost of living is significantly less.
Which I think is why your 60K a year confused me, unless Missouri is as expensive to live as it is here? When I lived in Ohio, I got by in a 2-bedroom apartment on 26K a year. It wasn't great living, mind, I wasn't taking tropical vacations, but it wasn't bad (and most people would've had it better than me; a third of my salary went to medical costs that year). And Spot is supporting both of us on his salary, so in theory, half of that could cover one person.
--
And thanks for that! I think I'm a little too self-conscious/socially anxious (not to mention terrified of all the rape threat trolls that exist on the internet) to become a YouTube star :) Maybe if I made an animated version of myself, or started a podcast where I didn't have to be physically seen...and could disguise my voice to not be female...hmmmm.
Reply
But I want those tropical vacations! Maybe not right away but dammit I'm tired of being a nobody living on 16-18k a year while my old friends have finished engineering or med school and started raising families. I can feel everyone back home judging me.
I grew up very much upper middle class (Which is why 60k doesn't seem that unreasonable a goal to me. It'll make my mom stop telling me I'm a failure too.) and I want that again. Dad used to take us all around the country. Sometimes international trips.
There are national parks that need visiting. Hot tubs, Teslas, and condos to buy. Future nieces/nephews to spoil rotten. Aging parents that may need help before too long. I really want to get across the Atlantic at some point too.
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Don't be afraid of trolls. The worst neckbeards can do is pretty much nothing. If you're truly concerned I'd usually suggest an over-under 20 gauge but...
Maybe Kenpo?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Kenpo
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Minecraft let's plays? You'd be hilarious and build neato stuff with your art skills.
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