well, i am in publishing, and almost a real editor, and i live in one of the most expensive cities in the country (i believe boston is #1 and nyc is #2, although nyc could be #3; i never paid attention), and i make $25,600.00 -- except not really because after taxes it's more like $11/hr, not $17. i have a pretty nice apartment, and i never go hungry, and i always have enough money left over to buy shoes.