A Week In Chicago On A $225,000 Salary

🏙️ Living large in the windy city

Living in Chicago as a 26-year-old Senior Sales Engineer, pulling in a total compensation of $225,000. Owning a condo that was purchased two years ago, keeping the monthly mortgage and HOA fees around $2,040. Carrying a net worth of over $156,000, mostly tucked away in a high-yield savings account and retirement funds. Earning a base salary of $4,250 biweekly, supplemented by monthly commissions that average around $2,500. Keeping life organized by paying off the credit card every single week and investing $1,000 monthly into index funds.

🎂 Birthday treats and hosting duties

Celebrating a birthday this week, which means leaning into some fun spending and hosting my sister, G., and several friends. Starting the week by booking a $352.96 flight for a summer cruise with college friends. Finally fixing a long-standing annoyance by buying a $65.87 white enamel toilet seat with brass hardware from Home Depot. Spending birthday morning grabbing coffee and treating myself to a $168.63 haul at Anthropologie, including a silver beaded purse and some new makeup. Bringing a pound of assorted cookies to dog training class to share the birthday spirit.

Hosting houseguests requires some quick pivots and extra supplies. Buying $75.83 worth of new sheets and pillows when two more friends arrive unexpectedly. Navigating the city with a large group involves a mix of public transit and Ubers. Spending $29.98 on a late-night ride back from a comedy show at Second City because getting home to the dog is a priority. Treating friends to the comedy show for $78.75 and later paying for a $126.51 Thai dinner, expecting some Venmo requests to settle up later.

🎸 Concerts and city vibes

Filling the weekend with music and art. Joining an online queue to snag $175 concert tickets for a film score composer, even if the seats aren't the best. Spending $28 on admission to the Art Institute, taking advantage of the Illinois resident discount. Buying a $21 tote bag at a pop-up shop and a $38.04 poster at a rock concert to add to the collection in the living room. Paying $2 for the coat check this time because fainting from overheating at the last show was enough of a lesson.

Ending the week feeling a bit tired but financially stable. Managing the balance between high-earning tech life and the simple joy of a vegan Chicago dog or a $29.73 paint-by-numbers kit. Keeping an eye on the small stuff, like needing to cancel that $11 Panera subscription now that the commute has changed.