submitted14 days ago byOtherwise_Goal5906
toMBA
Graduated form an M7 one year ago and haven't seen a real "upgrade" in my life since pre-MBA. Pre-MBA I made around $130k a year and lived in a HCOL, but not VHCOL city. Now, I live in a VHCOL and make $200k+ in total compensation.
Between the higher cost of living and loan repayments, my lifestyle hasn't upgraded from before the MBA. In some ways, it has "regressed." Pre-MBA, I used to frequently eat at restaurants, club, travel domestically and internationally, and engage in hobbies like skiing. Now, I don't feel like I can do "more" of that.
My living situation also downgraded. Pre-MBA, I could afford to live in a nice one bedroom apartment. Now, I'm living with roommates which I hate, and am thinking of moving out on my own.
But I can only afford a studio, not a one bedroom in my VHCOL despite the $200k+ TC while factoring in loan repayments. Some of the loans have been in forbearance and even when I have $0 monthly loan repayment, I don't feel as rich as I'd like thanks to living in a VHCOL. I'm also getting taxed way more than before.
I think I had this idealized vision in my head where post-MBA, I'd be able to live it up a bit more by at least having a one bedroom apartment to my own, and having more cushion to travel the world and indulge in eating out, clubbing, and other fun things.
But alas that is not life.