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[collegekidsmom]

There's always New Jersey across the way if you had to have an alternative. Anything is doable if you are flexible. Great experience for your child probably too to be in NYC-if your family enjoys urban life.

[drpud]

So it is obviously possible to live in NYC as a lowly asst. prof, as long as one doesn't expect to (ever) live the high life. I'm still not sure, though, if would it would be wise in my specific situation. (Lots and lots of debt to pay off plus a kid.) I mean, obviously, if I an fortunate enough to get an offer, I will just have to decide if I can realistically swing it. What I've noticed is that many of the faculty at universities in manhattan and surrounds are from the NYC area, or NJ or up-state. There is a lot in inbreeding, in other words. I'm thinking this may be due to the fact that A) New Yorkers never want to leave and B) "outsiders" are less likely to be offered a job or C) people from outside the area are hesitant to accept TT jobs there and make the move.

[verbena]

So it is obviously possible to live in NYC as a lowly asst. prof, as long as one doesn't expect to (ever) live the high life.

I think you've misread some of the comments above.

Visiting MoMA or the Whitney for free is, in my opinion, about as "high life" as you can get in this world -- with the exception, possibly, of walking through Central Park.

[august_leo]

So it is obviously possible to live in NYC as a lowly asst. prof, as long as one doesn't expect to (ever) live the high life.

I think you've misread some of the comments above.

Yes, I agree. In NYC you will have many more possibilities of things to do and great cultural opportunities to provide for your child, which you wouldn't have if you were in a small college town or small city. That is worth something too.

[ms210]

I've been on search committees at my CUNY and we often have hired from outside NYC--
My two kids have thrived in NYC- many more wonderful public schools than you might imagine
try insideschools.org to see and so many low cost activities for families.

[drpud]

I definitely hear what you are saying about the abundance of cultural wealth in NYC, and this is a major attraction, but I am just putting my practical hat on here (for once). Having lived in expensive locations for the past decade, I now realize that after the monthly rent, health insurance, daycare, student loan and credit card bills, and all other rental bills are paid, etc. on an Asst Prof. salary (usually in mid $50,000s), you can sometimes spend half of the month or more just praying to get by with enough money to buy groceries or an ocassional treat for the kid or bottle of wine for yourself. Forget about going out to eat or to the movies or even to Starbucks. Too expensive and even public transportation costs $$. In the past, I've had to decline invites from colleagues to eat out and do other fun things due to poverty. So, that said, I can enjoy all the free things in life for sure as long as I also have food in the pantry at the end of the day!

But these are just the typical worries of any naturally anxious person considering a possible move to one of the most expensive cities in the world.

[ms210]

Do check the PSCUNY website if it's a CUNY you are considering. You'd get a good idea of salary and benefits
Recent newly appointed asst. profs can be appointed at the upper end of the salary scale, more like 70,000.

[frenchgirl]

Do check the PSCUNY website if it's a CUNY you are considering. You'd get a good idea of salary and benefits. Recent newly appointed asst. profs can be appointed at the upper end of the salary scale, more like 70,000.

Really? Even if a new asst. prof. has been a postdoc, for ex, without having been a VAP or gaining serious post-PhD teaching experience prior to starting the job? I just assumed, based on reading these threads, that new APs in the CUNY system would be lucky to make even the mid-point of the 2007-10 salary scale. (Which goes from $42K--$81K). Is it all based on how bad they want you and what the dean is willing to offer?

[ms210]

Yes--- definitely depends on dean and needs of department. But the last new faculty in my dept. (Education) have come with recent PhD and limited college teaching but were strong nonetheless. All appointed at 70 or so.

[dragonbait1]

Also depends on field, of course.  In the humanities the OP is correct, she'll likely be hired in the mid 50s. 

[frenchgirl]

It is interesting that Education pays so much more than English, which is my field. But what about interdisciplinary programs? I've noticed more and more TT jobs advertised for people who specialize in Latino/a studies, Asian studies, or African American Studies, and the like, or even a combination of interests encompassing History, Sociology, English, Education, and Communications, not just in the CUNY system but all over the country. Do the interdisciplinary folks out there have a chance of coming in at higher salaries than those with traditional specialities? (This is a thread hijack, I apologize.)
Surely in the CUNY system with the massive teaching expectations--usually 3/4--people who can teach a wide range of courses should be compensated accordingly? Or is this just wishful thinking . . .

[janedoh]

For reference, my NYC public school teacher sibling makes around $35k (not sure of exact amount). So $50k plus partnerpud's income should be a decent living, even if you are paying off debt. Teacher sibling has a nice life--eating out, seeing shows, going to museums (some have nice discounts for teachers), and of course all the free stuff NYC has to offer. Not owning a car saves a fortune (I should know--I gave up mine in 2001, and still do fine even with 2 kids).

[lolar2]

Drpud, as long as you don't need it to be fancy, there are plenty of very cheap places to eat out in NYC.

[thenewyorker]

Drpud, as long as you don't need it to be fancy, there are plenty of very cheap places to eat out in NYC.

Cheap and yummy.

[drpud]

Thanks for the positive vibes and stories, everyone. Good to know people are still enjoying themselves despite the relatively lowNYC  starting salaries compared to the COL. Makes me feel more optimistic about my prospects depending on what happens.