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Need Cost-of-Living Advice
Hi FGB community, within the next week, I may receive an offer for a great position. I need some feedback on the cost of living in central Virginia (Lynchburg) to see if the salary will support my desired lifestyle and work/life balance.
A little background:
About a year ago, I left a non-profit job in museums. I liked the job and the responsibilities but the environment was toxic and there was a history of mismanagement that didn't look like it would resolve anytime soon. I moved into my first corporate position with a great employer that offers amazing benefits, competitive wages, paid overtime, tuition reimbursement, etc. There are ample advancement opportunities - rare in small and medium non-profits. Environment is much more supportive and co-workers are great.
But....
I just don't love the work right now. The expected offer is for a promising job at a medium non-profit but the salary will be $45,000. In my current role, with the expected overtime, I'll likely make around $60,000 this year.
Pro's in Virginia:
-Lower cost of living
-Closer to competitive English horseback riding (my primary hobby/fitness pursuit)
-Closer to more family
Better job "stuff" like benefits, advancement opportunities
Con's in Virginia:
-2+ hours to major airport makes it difficult to travel
-Small city with politics that oppose my personal position
-Fewer advancement opportunities
Any Virginia residents out there who can let me know if $45k will be sufficient? Any career counselors or gurus who can advise on some factors I should weigh more or less?
Stephanie
12
06/23/20 at 10:28PM UTC
Congratulations on your job offer!
I am actually from Lynchburg (now living in a major US city) so I can definitely give you insight on what it is like to live there. You should be able to find a good one bedroom apartment for around $800-$1,000/month. And yes, the cost of living is much less there than most other places. Gym memberships and yoga classes are much cheaper than in other places, restaurants tend to be cheaper (and while delicious, most are not overly healthy), and anything you do typically is low cost.
That said, there isn't a whole lot to do there. There are a lot of chain restaurants. And it is a VERY proud, southern conservative town.
Travel is a pain b/c if you decide to fly out of L'burg airport, it is a lot more expensive and you have to go through Charlotte.
I would say if you think the opportunity to learn and uplevel your career is there, you can always use this as a stepping stone. Even if the company itself does not offer advancement opportunities, you can leverage your new experience into a better role elsewhere after a year or two.
Anonymous
06/24/20 at 3:12AM UTC
"And it is a VERY proud, southern conservative town.
Travel is a pain b/c if you decide to fly out of L'burg airport, it is a lot more expensive and you have to go through Charlotte. "
Thanks. These ares definitely some of my concerns. I'm not too worried about nightlife or entertainment, although I do like walking through historic downtowns and finding my "local pub."
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.