Have you ever wondered how much it costs to live in the real world? As you look at estimates of yearly salaries for different career paths you are considering, do you ever wonder how those numbers break down to paying the bills each month? If these are some of the questions you are wrestling with as you explore career options, I have some valuable tools for you!
Several states offer “Reality Check” websites, which allow you to choose a specific location within the state and choose specific living expenses you might like to have once you are out on your own, so you can build a budget and get a clear idea of what kind of wages might be needed to live the life you want. Once you finish the calculating, the website gives you a list of careers that make the salary that fits with your budget. You might want to go through the budgeting process several times. One time, you might want to focus on essentials, recognizing that entry level jobs may start at a lower rate than salaries once you have been in the workforce for a few years.
Here are links to the three states who offer reality checks:
It might even be helpful to see the differences in each state, especially if you plan to live in a state other than those three. Remember, if your state is not listed, you can also look up specifics about the area you are interested in living in online, using some of the budget ideas the reality check uses as a guide.
If you would like more help with choosing a major or a career, please visit Career and Professional Development. We’d be happy to help!
