Is a 30K salary too low to live happily?

Question

I was hoping to have a career in zoology/biology and to either become a wildlife biologist or zookeeper. However, both of these career's salaries are around $30,000 per year.

Is this enough?

It seems as though housing takes up most of people's money. However, I don't plan on living in a huge house unless I plan to get married- apartments are just fine for me. And by the time I graduate I'll only be 22!

Is it too low? Other than housing, what other factors should play a role in how much money I should make to support myself?

Answer 1

if your good with your money and dont go hog wild with it you should be fine. try giving yourself an allownace each week so you wont over spend and you can really save money like that. my only advice is do not get a credit card but if you do get one use it for EMERGENCYS only. those things are nothing but trouble. you wont be able to go do what ever you want whenever you want but yeah you should be fine with that. and whenever you can try to save money you never know when its going to rain. oh yeah i almost forgot make sure you get health insurance. never know when you might get sick or get hurt like broke arm ofr something. try to budget that in that is very important. om only 26 and I just had my 3rd knee surgery and last year I had cancer. without insurance i wouldve had alot of doc bills.

Answer 2

$30,000 is base pay with a Bachelor's degree. It would be very advantageous to complete at least a Master's. The field of your interest is one of love not money, but money is important. You could live okay on $30,000 dollars but I would not say comfortably. You should really consider an advanced degree and don't allow the money to get you down.

Answer 3

I was making about that when I graduated from college and it was enough for just me.  As long as you are willing to live with roommates, or in a really small apartment you should be fine.  

Also factor in your car, food, clothes, utilities, and fun.  I found that I spent most of my money on fun (going on trips with my girlfriends, and movies, and eating out).  But you should be fine as long as you are willing to keep your eye on your money.

It is better to have a job that you love that doesn't pay as much than to have a job you hate and a lot of money.  You will be happier if you love your job!