Date: July 18th, 2018 6:44 PM
Author: Azure Maniacal Temple
You're not supposed to save any money in NYC when you're making less than $100k base. Pretend like it's the army or boot camp, you signed up for 2-3 years for a shot at something better. Think of your first job as a launching pad, similar to an MBA but getting live experience.
Manhattan is about "making it" which usually means mid-six figures all-in. If you can't get there in a few years, accept it and move to a lower COL city. At least you gave it a shot.
Most likely you'll end up in a much better spot in your mid/late 20's and you'll laugh at your first salary the way Gekko laughed at his first real estate deal in the movie Wall Street.
NYC salaries/positions aren't linear, they usually go in plateaus and massive leaps (i.e. 2-3x upon hitting the next level). If you can't make the leap you need to move out and switch it up.
(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4029632&forum_id=2#36455014)