SF/LA/NY sallaries vs. costs
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- greber
Listen guys,
I'm currenly in a serious job hunt
and I'm looking for a position in SF, LA or NY.I've got rather big plan to move from Poland with my wife. Want to go to states for 2 years, to improve my skills and to experience living out there.
I'm not a greedy type. I want to earn an acceptable money to live comparably well as I live in Poland (i would say i'm living above mid-class here). I'm in a position of a senior art director here.
Tell me what place do you reccomend to start from.
What are major +/- of each one?
- acescence0
NY is super expensive, and can chew up and spit out people that aren't prepared for it.
SF is slightly less expensive and, i think, the most european of the 3 in feel. it's the easiest to network with people and "fit in" i think.
LA is least expensive, however you absolutely will need a car if you live in LA, so that has to be factored in. also i'm not crazy about the general LA vibe.
my opinion.
- acescence0
i've lived and worked in all 3, by the way.
- greber0
what more do i need than a job and an apartment rented?
how much do you think senior graphic designer in each of this places should earn?
- Tara0
yeah i agree w ace.
La has good weather tho. NY
is pretty extreme weather wise.
but the apt search in itself is tough.
do you want big city fast pace?
then NY is for you. tons to do, very interesting people but challenging.
SF is great and as ace said easier to meet people network. it really depends on the vibe you are looking for?
first do you see yourself as sunshine/outdoor laid back California vibe or east coast cold winters/very hot summers/NYC vibe?But coming from Poland, I could see you probably enjoying all 3 cities culturely. although, LA has the least culture. the city is full of actors, you have to drive EVERYWHERE...BUT great weather and the beach. we have good beaches here in NY too btw.
anyway, i'm blabbing but i guess any info is better than none!
- Tara0
in LA you need a car. as for salary I guess it depends on the firm and the city that you're in.
NY apt's are damn expensive and so is Brooklyn these days.
- Tara0
this should help
http://www.designersalaries.com/…
- greber0
yea, I'm glad to get as much info as I can Tara :)
actually I never been to states yet, but I preffer SF from many opinions, and I know that NY is diffeent than SF, but it's a big temtation, and I think I could try it in NY also, as I think my work history with NY dash would give me kind of lift-up of my career after i come back to Poland
anyway, where would you look for design job than at newstoday.com?
- in8_v40
I've lived in all 3 cities. I loved NY but its definitely the most expensive. Really great energy there but a harsh environment for a longer stay.
LA sucks, don't do it, don't even consider it. Visit there and then leave in a hurry.
Currently in SF and loving it here. The weather is perfect. The city has history and culture and it looks like a postcard no matter where you look.
Also, once you're in the States its a lot easier to visit the other cities you're interested in.
- greber0
ah, ok, let me ask it
Do you people know any local SF job listing other than craigslist?
I'd love to find a job out there,
or maybe you heard of some openings that are not listed here?
- royalremarkable0
go for SF. its beautiful, has great nature, diverse districts, mild weather. NY is a drain on that wallet. paying thousands a month to live in brooklyn with broken refrigerators on the curbs.
i just visited portland and was impressed. bigger than i thought. maybe look into portland too?
- ********0
most of the good jobs are listed here On Newstoday. http://newstoday.com/jobs/
You seem to have good skills, you should be able to get 70-80+k a year as a Senior Design. 80-90 as an Art Director. Check out AKQA, Odopod, Goodby for jobs. If you have any questions about other companies let us know. Some are very big with good salaries but you will be doing crappy work. Some are smaller and seem fun, but are not good working environments.
What these guys have said about SF, NY and LA is true. SF would be my first choice. I worked there for 4 years.
- greber0
thanks for info and advices :)
- ********0
in brooklyn in nyc there is an area called Greenpoint. its population is almost 100% POLISH.
you and your wife can easily assimilate there if you needed to move to nyc.
i have lived in Los Angeles and you need a car. innsurance and so forth. cost of living there can be anything as the city is so spread out, that there isnt any real fundamental salary base anything. life is very calm in LA compared to NYC.
i am born in NYC, i lived in LA, but can only see LA as a vacation sort of place as the city shuts down and people are faake and their attitudes re weak as they are always relaxed to life with their greaat weather.
salary wise is what you negotiate at the table. in nyc you can earn a great living but the cost of livingwill definitely eat at what ever salary you are making.
LA is different in regards that you can earn a great living and live anywhere you want as you will need a car to get there as public transportation is limited to none.
SF i havent ever been to. i understand its very similar to nyc in terms of cost of living but its not as high.
i think you nd your wife both need to make this decision together and make a trip out here for yourselves.
visit each city, and make a better decision on that.
good luck!!!
:)
- tkmeister0
ny - an international city with lots to do. it's edgy and exciting and it can consume you.
sf - nice and mellow. more laid back and lots of outdoor activities u can do.
la - yeah, la la land...
just send out resumes and see what happens. will you be a double income or your wife will be working as well?
so many great opportunities, but many companies tend to prefer locals before hirng anyone who requires visa support or moving expense unless you are a superstar art director.
- greber0
do you think, coming to US on tourist visa and then looking for job would give greater chances?
I'd be able then to go for an interview or sthing, but I don't know, I mean often it's enough to look at someones portfolio instead of going through interview
what do you think?
- tkmeister0
i don't think people would just hire you right away. most companies made me come back at least twice to their office. and it's a lengthy process usually.
ask epill.
he had to go in like 10 times for one company.
- e-pill0
ask epill.
he had to go in like 10 times for one company.
tkmeister
(Jul 26 06, 07:04)19 interviews!!!
Coach Handbagsin big companies...you might have to meet with Human Resources/ Design Directors/ Vice Presidents/ Technical Directors/ Creative Directors/ Art Directors and Presidents.
each time was a separate portfolio review, each time was a different feel or vibe.
it was an excellent understanding to learning the questions you need to ask and a great learning on how to control the interview, how to lead the converstations and to keep it fresh/ happy/ and energetic...
you reeally need to sell yourself as an Art Director, you need to show off your value as a personal director and not just a machine that cranks out beaautiful art...anyone can do that.
yo uhave to show off you...just walking into with a book may get you the job, ort it may not...i personally love to meet people...to meet them and understand them...
i really feel you need to make the trip here, and meet with the companies you want to work with.
good luck!!!
:)
- lvl_130
LA sucks first and foremost. just moved from there 1.5 months ago (to be fair i was in newport beach and not LA but whatever).
NYC is great but as everyone said-the most expensive. I've never actually lived there but have spent several months at a time there and always have a great time...i also never had to pay for rent there so it made it MUCH easier.
SF is dope as well and probably the closest thing as far as things to do and places to go to NYC.
all in all i would say you would need to make $80,000+ to live comfortably.