Hi everyone, I’m new to Blind but have seen others get some great advice so I thought I’d post. Basically I’ll be starting as a first year associate at Deloitte in the Audit & Assurance practice in the Fall and wanted to get some advice on office location. Currently I’m choosing between Houston ($64k annual + $5k bonus for completing CPA exam in the first year) or New York City ($71k annual + same $5k bonus for CPA). I would be living at home in Houston and saving a lot more money but the experience, career progression, and exit opportunities that come with New York are enticing me. Can anyone give some advice on what they would do or what their thoughts are on moving to New York? I appreciate it. TC: $69k(Houston), $76k(NYC) YOE: 0-1
Staying in Houston is so short-sighted. NYC offers way more career opportunities. You can be constantly networking. There are also a lot of excellent opportunities for continuing education. Since you got into Deloitte audit your resume is likely decent, not amazing. You may just need that little bit more to get into a more lucrative role. NYC also has laws against the disclosure of salary history. Your salary negotiation for your next job will be way easier.
I assume you just graduated college? Get out there and take some risks in your 20s...It'll be tough to live with $71k in NYC but you won't die. Plenty of folks to network with in finance and tech, and you'll be motivated to hustle more. Most importantly, better night life.
Houston. You will be fine with that salary in Houston in New York you will be poor.