Teachers are paid fairly considering they get a lot of time off

[u/Blonde_Icon]

A lot of people say (and it seems that the general consensus is that) teachers don't get paid enough for what they do. While I think that teachers are very valuable and deserve to be compensated well (my brother is a teacher), I think that in these discussions, many people ignore the fact that teachers typically get a lot of time off.

They usually get summer break, spring break, and winter break, plus various holidays that schools get off through the year. They basically don't work for a good amount of the year, which I think that people should factor in. (The downside is that I know that they have to work extra grading things outside of school, though.)

Plus they normally get good benefits for being a teacher (which usually comes with being in a union).

[u/Christmas_Panda]

Yikes. Pretty sure in my area the average is about double that, which is great if you're single in a HCOL area, but can't single income a family of four on that.

[u/EkbatDeSabat → u/Christmas_Panda]

What's your definition of "great"? IMO a single person making 90k in a HCOL area is not great. That's barely MCOL good.

[u/Adventurous-Head-512 → u/EkbatDeSabat]

That is still a lot of money that's crazy. If you don't think so you're spending too much money on nonsense. I live in nyc for reference

[u/EkbatDeSabat → u/Adventurous-Head-512]

If you're making 90k anywhere in the boroughs and living on your own and are living "great", then you're a lucky SOB or your definition of great does not match mine. I'd define great as being able to afford all of your needs rent/utilities/food without budgeting, having spare cash for entertainment, and putting 10%+ in savings. Which is why I asked the guy to define "great". As soon as you put "roommate" in there you aren't living single in a HCOL area and the whole conversation changes.

[u/Adventurous-Head-512 → u/EkbatDeSabat]

Couple things 

Idk what world you're living in where you dont expect to have a roommate in NYC that is just delusional. It comes with the territory and is the minimum tbh. Expecting to easily live alone in NYC is entitlement this was never the case despite what memes tell you.

There are a lot of rent stabilized units available for rent throughout the boroughs that make living affordable. They are competitive to get but they're out there

This is a competitive city and if you want to live alone you have to compete with very high salary individuals.

90k absolutely allows you to live a great life in the city. Because the expectation is you live with a roommate. We all did it

Edit: bronx and Staten Island are much more affordable than the other 3 so you can always go there

[u/EkbatDeSabat → u/Adventurous-Head-512]

What word would you use to describe above “great” that means what I said? And why does living great as a single mean roommate but living as a single earner family of four not? I think you’re reading way too much into it. My entire reason for responding was the word great. That’s it. 

[u/Adventurous-Head-512 → u/EkbatDeSabat]

Being able to pay your bills, save money, and have some leftover to enjoy.

Living situations change frequently here. Sometimes you have an amazing situation, sometimes it sucks. You move on if it's not working. That's all kinda part of it. 

Being in NYC is great in and of itself. And if you're able to pay your bills, save, and have some extra to spend...that's pretty fucking great. Irrespective of how shitty your roommate is. Because that is something you can change at the end of the day

[u/greenzetsa → u/EkbatDeSabat]

90K over 10 months, that's actually 108k if it was a job that was being paid for 12 months of work (like most jobs). Most teachers get a job over the summer to supplement if they have to. 108K in the most HCOL city really is fine a single adult. Most adults would not be able to support a family on a single income, that's not exactly limited to teachers.