DC is great! I'm the "heir apparent" for the officially designated full-time job that will be opening very soon, as a good friend and helpful coworker will be leaving. So from there I will go from abject poverty to... A level that I would consider comfortable at any point in my life, I assume. I will be making more than my mother ever has, and more than my father ever did while he was still around and before keeping us financially hostage. I can't fathom going from making less than 15k a year to what it will be. It will also mean that I am entitled to tuition remission, meaning free education finally. I'm chomping at the bit, but it's still a month or two away from fruition. arguewithatree and I will be getting our own place probably in the next year, which is exciting to think about after years of living in shared houses under, in my case, abusive and bloodsucking landlords, or in her case, almost being made into a skin suit by a violent and clearly unwell roommate (she can fill you in there.) She also has a car now, so we're going to be free to explore the states around us soon. Perhaps NC will be in the visitation queue soon. I hope you make it out here soon! Having a second DC meetup would be fantastic as well. The city is lovely around March when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, but winter is still my favorite when everything is covered in a fine layer of snow.
When I was 31 or 32 years old I went from the job I had to one that paid me 3X's as much overnight. The key is to not change any of your behaviors. Honestly, if you can live like you have been for 3 more years and take the incremental income and invest it wisely, you will be set for the rest of your life. OR You could get a really nice place, start eating at really nice restaurants, start buying nice clothes etc and basically end up feeling like you're still just getting by. don't do that. Also, CONGRATS!!!!
Honestly, I don't see how I really could change my lifestyle in any significant ways. I know I'll buy more records and comic books, but that's not anything at all. Other than that, we're both very low-energy people who don't spend much. We will, of course, be outdoors and camping a lot more, because we'll have the spare change for the incidentals. And sweet, sweet vacation time. My big goal and gift to myself after I get more settled into the position will be a week or more backpacking trip in Montana, starting with a train ride to get there. I figure sometime around September of this year or March/June of next would be the estimated time for it. So I have something to plan for.
Well, hopefully I've given you a proper guide on how to take a train to or from MT.