I'm not sure I can afford my internship. Are there any good options besides quitting? [on hold]

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I've just started a full-time (Mon-Fri) paid internship position in New York that pays me only $100 per week.



I'd like to continue in the position but I have concerns about whether I can afford it given the transportation costs I have.



Are there any good options I have other than just quitting?










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put on hold as off-topic by Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan 8 mins ago


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.








  • 14




    You knew the distance and salary beforehand, why did you commit yourself???? You must have signed a contract, did you?
    – SmallChess
    16 hours ago







  • 2




    "I fear that I can't do it financially." What does that mean exactly? Are you spending more on travel than you're earning? Will you go broke/go into debt if you continue? If so, it's probably not worth it.
    – AffableAmbler
    16 hours ago







  • 1




    @Job As originally written the question wasn't one we can answer here I'm afraid, I've edited your question into a format that hopefully is answerable here. Hopefully I haven't changed your intent too much but if I have feel free to revert (although it will likely remain closed if you do I'm afraid)
    – motosubatsu
    7 hours ago






  • 5




    "Is there any options I have other than just quitting?" - certainly. You can lower your transportation costs. You can ask for more money. You can wait for more than one day to see if you can actually afford it. Probably lots of other options.
    – Joe Strazzere
    6 hours ago







  • 4




    $100 / 40 hours (assuming a common definition of full time)... $2.50 per hour? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some fine point of New York law, but that seems explicitly illegal under federal wage laws: propublica.org/article/when-interns-should-be-paid-explained
    – BrianH
    5 hours ago
















up vote
1
down vote

favorite












I've just started a full-time (Mon-Fri) paid internship position in New York that pays me only $100 per week.



I'd like to continue in the position but I have concerns about whether I can afford it given the transportation costs I have.



Are there any good options I have other than just quitting?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











put on hold as off-topic by Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan 8 mins ago


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.








  • 14




    You knew the distance and salary beforehand, why did you commit yourself???? You must have signed a contract, did you?
    – SmallChess
    16 hours ago







  • 2




    "I fear that I can't do it financially." What does that mean exactly? Are you spending more on travel than you're earning? Will you go broke/go into debt if you continue? If so, it's probably not worth it.
    – AffableAmbler
    16 hours ago







  • 1




    @Job As originally written the question wasn't one we can answer here I'm afraid, I've edited your question into a format that hopefully is answerable here. Hopefully I haven't changed your intent too much but if I have feel free to revert (although it will likely remain closed if you do I'm afraid)
    – motosubatsu
    7 hours ago






  • 5




    "Is there any options I have other than just quitting?" - certainly. You can lower your transportation costs. You can ask for more money. You can wait for more than one day to see if you can actually afford it. Probably lots of other options.
    – Joe Strazzere
    6 hours ago







  • 4




    $100 / 40 hours (assuming a common definition of full time)... $2.50 per hour? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some fine point of New York law, but that seems explicitly illegal under federal wage laws: propublica.org/article/when-interns-should-be-paid-explained
    – BrianH
    5 hours ago












up vote
1
down vote

favorite









up vote
1
down vote

favorite











I've just started a full-time (Mon-Fri) paid internship position in New York that pays me only $100 per week.



I'd like to continue in the position but I have concerns about whether I can afford it given the transportation costs I have.



Are there any good options I have other than just quitting?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











I've just started a full-time (Mon-Fri) paid internship position in New York that pays me only $100 per week.



I'd like to continue in the position but I have concerns about whether I can afford it given the transportation costs I have.



Are there any good options I have other than just quitting?







internship






share|improve this question









New contributor




Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question









New contributor




Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 3 mins ago









Joe Strazzere

229k112674950




229k112674950






New contributor




Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









asked 16 hours ago









Job

262




262




New contributor




Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





New contributor





Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






Job is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




put on hold as off-topic by Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan 8 mins ago


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.




put on hold as off-topic by Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan 8 mins ago


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Philipp, OldPadawan, gazzz0x2z, Rory Alsop, Dan
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.







  • 14




    You knew the distance and salary beforehand, why did you commit yourself???? You must have signed a contract, did you?
    – SmallChess
    16 hours ago







  • 2




    "I fear that I can't do it financially." What does that mean exactly? Are you spending more on travel than you're earning? Will you go broke/go into debt if you continue? If so, it's probably not worth it.
    – AffableAmbler
    16 hours ago







  • 1




    @Job As originally written the question wasn't one we can answer here I'm afraid, I've edited your question into a format that hopefully is answerable here. Hopefully I haven't changed your intent too much but if I have feel free to revert (although it will likely remain closed if you do I'm afraid)
    – motosubatsu
    7 hours ago






  • 5




    "Is there any options I have other than just quitting?" - certainly. You can lower your transportation costs. You can ask for more money. You can wait for more than one day to see if you can actually afford it. Probably lots of other options.
    – Joe Strazzere
    6 hours ago







  • 4




    $100 / 40 hours (assuming a common definition of full time)... $2.50 per hour? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some fine point of New York law, but that seems explicitly illegal under federal wage laws: propublica.org/article/when-interns-should-be-paid-explained
    – BrianH
    5 hours ago












  • 14




    You knew the distance and salary beforehand, why did you commit yourself???? You must have signed a contract, did you?
    – SmallChess
    16 hours ago







  • 2




    "I fear that I can't do it financially." What does that mean exactly? Are you spending more on travel than you're earning? Will you go broke/go into debt if you continue? If so, it's probably not worth it.
    – AffableAmbler
    16 hours ago







  • 1




    @Job As originally written the question wasn't one we can answer here I'm afraid, I've edited your question into a format that hopefully is answerable here. Hopefully I haven't changed your intent too much but if I have feel free to revert (although it will likely remain closed if you do I'm afraid)
    – motosubatsu
    7 hours ago






  • 5




    "Is there any options I have other than just quitting?" - certainly. You can lower your transportation costs. You can ask for more money. You can wait for more than one day to see if you can actually afford it. Probably lots of other options.
    – Joe Strazzere
    6 hours ago







  • 4




    $100 / 40 hours (assuming a common definition of full time)... $2.50 per hour? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some fine point of New York law, but that seems explicitly illegal under federal wage laws: propublica.org/article/when-interns-should-be-paid-explained
    – BrianH
    5 hours ago







14




14




You knew the distance and salary beforehand, why did you commit yourself???? You must have signed a contract, did you?
– SmallChess
16 hours ago





You knew the distance and salary beforehand, why did you commit yourself???? You must have signed a contract, did you?
– SmallChess
16 hours ago





2




2




"I fear that I can't do it financially." What does that mean exactly? Are you spending more on travel than you're earning? Will you go broke/go into debt if you continue? If so, it's probably not worth it.
– AffableAmbler
16 hours ago





"I fear that I can't do it financially." What does that mean exactly? Are you spending more on travel than you're earning? Will you go broke/go into debt if you continue? If so, it's probably not worth it.
– AffableAmbler
16 hours ago





1




1




@Job As originally written the question wasn't one we can answer here I'm afraid, I've edited your question into a format that hopefully is answerable here. Hopefully I haven't changed your intent too much but if I have feel free to revert (although it will likely remain closed if you do I'm afraid)
– motosubatsu
7 hours ago




@Job As originally written the question wasn't one we can answer here I'm afraid, I've edited your question into a format that hopefully is answerable here. Hopefully I haven't changed your intent too much but if I have feel free to revert (although it will likely remain closed if you do I'm afraid)
– motosubatsu
7 hours ago




5




5




"Is there any options I have other than just quitting?" - certainly. You can lower your transportation costs. You can ask for more money. You can wait for more than one day to see if you can actually afford it. Probably lots of other options.
– Joe Strazzere
6 hours ago





"Is there any options I have other than just quitting?" - certainly. You can lower your transportation costs. You can ask for more money. You can wait for more than one day to see if you can actually afford it. Probably lots of other options.
– Joe Strazzere
6 hours ago





4




4




$100 / 40 hours (assuming a common definition of full time)... $2.50 per hour? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some fine point of New York law, but that seems explicitly illegal under federal wage laws: propublica.org/article/when-interns-should-be-paid-explained
– BrianH
5 hours ago




$100 / 40 hours (assuming a common definition of full time)... $2.50 per hour? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some fine point of New York law, but that seems explicitly illegal under federal wage laws: propublica.org/article/when-interns-should-be-paid-explained
– BrianH
5 hours ago










1 Answer
1






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4
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Ideally this is why it's good to work out what costs might be incurred in a new job (transport being the obvious one) before accepting, however this isn't always feasible or foolproof (after all life can happen, prices can rise etc) and obviously it's a bit late for that advice for you now!



So what can you do?



Option 1:



See if there any alternative ways of getting to work - not sure what distance you are covering (or what method of transport you are currently using) but would it be feasible to switch to a cheaper method of transportation?



  • If you're currently using cabs or a car would it be possible/cheaper to swap to the bus or the subway?

  • If you're currently using the bus/subway would it be possible to cycle or walk instead?

  • If you're currently using the bus/subway have you looked into the various metro card options? Multi-day passes often work out significantly cheaper than paying for fares as you go. If you're a student I think you can even travel for free?

I appreciate that this may well take longer than your current route but if the savings meant you could keep the position going it may well be worth putting up with it as presumably you won't be an intern on $100 a week forever.



Option 2:



See if there are any other areas of your existing spending that you could make savings on, in order to free up some spare cash? Again this would hopefully be temporary until you've completed your internship and can start earning more money.



Option 3:



Asking your employer if they can provide any additional assistance financially. I wouldn't make this one your first move, if nothing else they will probably ask you if you've tried Options 1 or 2 first! However if, having exhausted the possibilities of the first two options you're still struggling to afford the transportation costs then it's certainly worth asking them - after all if the only option you have left is to quit what harm can it do to ask? I'd try something like:




I'm finding the costs of getting to the office too high, I know I should have checked this out beforehand but I wasn't expecting it to be this much. I really want to stay here as I'm enjoying the internship and I feel that I'm really learning a lot. I've already done x, y, and z to keep the costs as low as I can but I'm struggling and I'm concerned that I might have to withdraw from the program. Is there any way we could look at increasing my compensation, even by $x a week to enable me to stay?




This shows that you aren't just looking for them to solve your problems for you, and that you have been taking steps to try and resolve it yourself first and this demonstrates good maturity (which will hopefully make them realise you aren't just money-grabbing).






share|improve this answer



























    1 Answer
    1






    active

    oldest

    votes








    1 Answer
    1






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    4
    down vote













    Ideally this is why it's good to work out what costs might be incurred in a new job (transport being the obvious one) before accepting, however this isn't always feasible or foolproof (after all life can happen, prices can rise etc) and obviously it's a bit late for that advice for you now!



    So what can you do?



    Option 1:



    See if there any alternative ways of getting to work - not sure what distance you are covering (or what method of transport you are currently using) but would it be feasible to switch to a cheaper method of transportation?



    • If you're currently using cabs or a car would it be possible/cheaper to swap to the bus or the subway?

    • If you're currently using the bus/subway would it be possible to cycle or walk instead?

    • If you're currently using the bus/subway have you looked into the various metro card options? Multi-day passes often work out significantly cheaper than paying for fares as you go. If you're a student I think you can even travel for free?

    I appreciate that this may well take longer than your current route but if the savings meant you could keep the position going it may well be worth putting up with it as presumably you won't be an intern on $100 a week forever.



    Option 2:



    See if there are any other areas of your existing spending that you could make savings on, in order to free up some spare cash? Again this would hopefully be temporary until you've completed your internship and can start earning more money.



    Option 3:



    Asking your employer if they can provide any additional assistance financially. I wouldn't make this one your first move, if nothing else they will probably ask you if you've tried Options 1 or 2 first! However if, having exhausted the possibilities of the first two options you're still struggling to afford the transportation costs then it's certainly worth asking them - after all if the only option you have left is to quit what harm can it do to ask? I'd try something like:




    I'm finding the costs of getting to the office too high, I know I should have checked this out beforehand but I wasn't expecting it to be this much. I really want to stay here as I'm enjoying the internship and I feel that I'm really learning a lot. I've already done x, y, and z to keep the costs as low as I can but I'm struggling and I'm concerned that I might have to withdraw from the program. Is there any way we could look at increasing my compensation, even by $x a week to enable me to stay?




    This shows that you aren't just looking for them to solve your problems for you, and that you have been taking steps to try and resolve it yourself first and this demonstrates good maturity (which will hopefully make them realise you aren't just money-grabbing).






    share|improve this answer
























      up vote
      4
      down vote













      Ideally this is why it's good to work out what costs might be incurred in a new job (transport being the obvious one) before accepting, however this isn't always feasible or foolproof (after all life can happen, prices can rise etc) and obviously it's a bit late for that advice for you now!



      So what can you do?



      Option 1:



      See if there any alternative ways of getting to work - not sure what distance you are covering (or what method of transport you are currently using) but would it be feasible to switch to a cheaper method of transportation?



      • If you're currently using cabs or a car would it be possible/cheaper to swap to the bus or the subway?

      • If you're currently using the bus/subway would it be possible to cycle or walk instead?

      • If you're currently using the bus/subway have you looked into the various metro card options? Multi-day passes often work out significantly cheaper than paying for fares as you go. If you're a student I think you can even travel for free?

      I appreciate that this may well take longer than your current route but if the savings meant you could keep the position going it may well be worth putting up with it as presumably you won't be an intern on $100 a week forever.



      Option 2:



      See if there are any other areas of your existing spending that you could make savings on, in order to free up some spare cash? Again this would hopefully be temporary until you've completed your internship and can start earning more money.



      Option 3:



      Asking your employer if they can provide any additional assistance financially. I wouldn't make this one your first move, if nothing else they will probably ask you if you've tried Options 1 or 2 first! However if, having exhausted the possibilities of the first two options you're still struggling to afford the transportation costs then it's certainly worth asking them - after all if the only option you have left is to quit what harm can it do to ask? I'd try something like:




      I'm finding the costs of getting to the office too high, I know I should have checked this out beforehand but I wasn't expecting it to be this much. I really want to stay here as I'm enjoying the internship and I feel that I'm really learning a lot. I've already done x, y, and z to keep the costs as low as I can but I'm struggling and I'm concerned that I might have to withdraw from the program. Is there any way we could look at increasing my compensation, even by $x a week to enable me to stay?




      This shows that you aren't just looking for them to solve your problems for you, and that you have been taking steps to try and resolve it yourself first and this demonstrates good maturity (which will hopefully make them realise you aren't just money-grabbing).






      share|improve this answer






















        up vote
        4
        down vote










        up vote
        4
        down vote









        Ideally this is why it's good to work out what costs might be incurred in a new job (transport being the obvious one) before accepting, however this isn't always feasible or foolproof (after all life can happen, prices can rise etc) and obviously it's a bit late for that advice for you now!



        So what can you do?



        Option 1:



        See if there any alternative ways of getting to work - not sure what distance you are covering (or what method of transport you are currently using) but would it be feasible to switch to a cheaper method of transportation?



        • If you're currently using cabs or a car would it be possible/cheaper to swap to the bus or the subway?

        • If you're currently using the bus/subway would it be possible to cycle or walk instead?

        • If you're currently using the bus/subway have you looked into the various metro card options? Multi-day passes often work out significantly cheaper than paying for fares as you go. If you're a student I think you can even travel for free?

        I appreciate that this may well take longer than your current route but if the savings meant you could keep the position going it may well be worth putting up with it as presumably you won't be an intern on $100 a week forever.



        Option 2:



        See if there are any other areas of your existing spending that you could make savings on, in order to free up some spare cash? Again this would hopefully be temporary until you've completed your internship and can start earning more money.



        Option 3:



        Asking your employer if they can provide any additional assistance financially. I wouldn't make this one your first move, if nothing else they will probably ask you if you've tried Options 1 or 2 first! However if, having exhausted the possibilities of the first two options you're still struggling to afford the transportation costs then it's certainly worth asking them - after all if the only option you have left is to quit what harm can it do to ask? I'd try something like:




        I'm finding the costs of getting to the office too high, I know I should have checked this out beforehand but I wasn't expecting it to be this much. I really want to stay here as I'm enjoying the internship and I feel that I'm really learning a lot. I've already done x, y, and z to keep the costs as low as I can but I'm struggling and I'm concerned that I might have to withdraw from the program. Is there any way we could look at increasing my compensation, even by $x a week to enable me to stay?




        This shows that you aren't just looking for them to solve your problems for you, and that you have been taking steps to try and resolve it yourself first and this demonstrates good maturity (which will hopefully make them realise you aren't just money-grabbing).






        share|improve this answer












        Ideally this is why it's good to work out what costs might be incurred in a new job (transport being the obvious one) before accepting, however this isn't always feasible or foolproof (after all life can happen, prices can rise etc) and obviously it's a bit late for that advice for you now!



        So what can you do?



        Option 1:



        See if there any alternative ways of getting to work - not sure what distance you are covering (or what method of transport you are currently using) but would it be feasible to switch to a cheaper method of transportation?



        • If you're currently using cabs or a car would it be possible/cheaper to swap to the bus or the subway?

        • If you're currently using the bus/subway would it be possible to cycle or walk instead?

        • If you're currently using the bus/subway have you looked into the various metro card options? Multi-day passes often work out significantly cheaper than paying for fares as you go. If you're a student I think you can even travel for free?

        I appreciate that this may well take longer than your current route but if the savings meant you could keep the position going it may well be worth putting up with it as presumably you won't be an intern on $100 a week forever.



        Option 2:



        See if there are any other areas of your existing spending that you could make savings on, in order to free up some spare cash? Again this would hopefully be temporary until you've completed your internship and can start earning more money.



        Option 3:



        Asking your employer if they can provide any additional assistance financially. I wouldn't make this one your first move, if nothing else they will probably ask you if you've tried Options 1 or 2 first! However if, having exhausted the possibilities of the first two options you're still struggling to afford the transportation costs then it's certainly worth asking them - after all if the only option you have left is to quit what harm can it do to ask? I'd try something like:




        I'm finding the costs of getting to the office too high, I know I should have checked this out beforehand but I wasn't expecting it to be this much. I really want to stay here as I'm enjoying the internship and I feel that I'm really learning a lot. I've already done x, y, and z to keep the costs as low as I can but I'm struggling and I'm concerned that I might have to withdraw from the program. Is there any way we could look at increasing my compensation, even by $x a week to enable me to stay?




        This shows that you aren't just looking for them to solve your problems for you, and that you have been taking steps to try and resolve it yourself first and this demonstrates good maturity (which will hopefully make them realise you aren't just money-grabbing).







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 5 hours ago









        motosubatsu

        32.7k1583132




        32.7k1583132












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