Livin' on a prayer, a.k.a $18,000

Yesterday I came across a fascinating article linked on Get Rich Slowly, a personal finance blog that I read daily. The article, titled "Living on $18,000 a year--by choice," describes the choices of three different people, ages 25, 44, and 60, that have led them to a very thrifty existence. But this isn't one of those "what not to do" articles--it's about people who have chosen to live on less so that they can better pursue happiness.

Of course this article caught my eye after earning somewhere around $10,000 last year in the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. I, too, chose to live in poverty in pursuit of higher dreams. Now I hope to secure more permanent employment, most likely in an entry-level social services position while I attend graduate school in the fall. Many times I am asked to specify my salary requirements on my application, and when "negotiable" isn't an option, I feel silly writing down anything higher than $10,000. Taylor and I have gotten used to living on so little that anything more than $10k seems extravagant (not to say I don't want to earn a higher salary!) I guess it's all in your perspective.

It feels good to see the author of this article talk about an annual salary of $18,000 as something to marvel. The fact that Taylor and I met our basic needs, built our savings, and bought a house on less than $25,000 combined last year makes me optimistic. Imagine what we can do with $26,000?

Oh, the possibilities!