Finance

I’m a Vancouver-based Gen Z arts and culture professional—I live on $45K and define wealth as freedom, not stuff

Real people. Real finances. From six-figure earners to side hustlers, BCBusiness's Money Makers is pulling back the curtain on how British Columbians really make, spend and think about money—no filters, just facts.

By The Editors /

At just 25, this Vancouver project coordinator is building a career in arts and culture—an industry she values for the opportunities it’s given her, but one she admits doesn’t always pay fairly for the workload or the city’s high cost of living. Her $45,000 salary, plus another $5,000 from freelance gigs, works out to just over $4,100 a month before tax, or about $3,200 take-home. With $2,720 already spoken for on rent, food and basics, there’s little wiggle room. Like many in Gen Z, she makes up the gap through side hustles and a mix of spreadsheets and intuition, defining financial success less by a number and more by the freedom to cover essentials and still afford meaningful experiences.

Still, she can’t ignore the contrast between her world and the high-paying tech jobs she admires—roles that combine strong paycheques with remote-work flexibility. Instead of splurging on luxury labels, she saves for what matters most: a plane ticket back to her home country. As an immigrant, family and travel always come first, a values-driven approach that reframes what it means to be “rich” in Vancouver: not status symbols, but stability, resilience and the ability to invest in people and places that matter.

  • Age: 25
  • Location: Vancouver
  • Industry: Arts and Culture
  • Role: Project Coordinator
  • Pronouns: She/her
  • Total income: $45,000

Income 

  • Annual salary: $45,000
  • Side/freelance Income: $5,000
  • Benefits: Compensatory days off

 

Do you feel fairly paid for what you do? 

Not always. While I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had, I sometimes feel that the compensation doesn’t fully reflect the cost of living in Vancouver and the range of responsibilities I take on.

Name one item you splurge on, regardless of your budget. 

Plane tickets to go back to my home country–or travels in general. Being able to see family and discover new places is always worth it.

What’s something you refuse to spend money on? 

Luxury items. I prefer investing in meaningful experiences or practical things rather than expensive labels.

Do you use a financial advisor, app, spreadsheet—or vibes? 

Spreadsheets & vibes. I like having some structure, but I also go with intuition.

How has living in your city/neighbourhood impacted your financial choices? 

Living in Vancouver means being very conscious of housing and food costs. I’ve learned to budget carefully and make intentional choices, like cooking more at home and seeking community events instead of expensive outings.

Do you ever find yourself concerned about money or financial security? 

Yes, quite often. Rising living costs and uncertainty around long-term residency and job stability contribute to that feeling. I try to stay proactive, but it’s always on my mind.

How, if at all, are you approaching retirement planning right now? 

At this stage, I’m focusing on building savings and making sure I have the right foundations in place. I’m not aggressively investing yet, but I’m educating myself and setting long-term goals.

Is there a job you secretly admire for the pay or lifestyle? 

I admire people in tech who can work remotely with flexibility and strong compensation. That combination of freedom and security is appealing.

How do you define financial success? What does being “rich” mean to you?  

For me, financial success means stability and freedom of choice. Being “rich” isn’t about a specific number—it’s about not being stressed about bills and being able to invest in experiences and the people I love.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned about work and finances that you think others in your industry could benefit from? 

Diversifying your skills and income streams is key. Relying on one employer or one role can feel precarious, but building different opportunities creates resilience and peace of mind.

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