I need a reality check

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2006
I need a reality check
13
Wed, 11-14-2007 - 12:20pm

I'm just posting away today...


Anyway, it's difficult for me to keep future job/career prospects in perspective when I have a friend in finance who may be offered 55k now (she's 23), while it might take me until I'm 40 to make that much.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2007
Wed, 11-14-2007 - 12:56pm
I definately understand. Maybe what's bothering you is you WANT to want to be in that line of work for the money, but your hearts not in it. Just think, even with great money..... would you really want to work all your life in a job you don't desire? And rarely do people strike it rich at a young age. I'm almost 26, in school, and waiting tables to pay my bills.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2003
Wed, 11-14-2007 - 1:08pm

Would you mind if I ask,

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2006
Wed, 11-14-2007 - 1:12pm

We both live in Boston where the cost of living truly is ridiculous, but our salaries also reflect that to an extent.

Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 11-14-2007 - 1:55pm

My first job after my master's degree was when I was 24 and it only paid $28,000 and was in the DC area, which is pretty expensive.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Wed, 11-14-2007 - 4:10pm
Yes, I do think it's rare to make that much at 23. I think you should expect your salary to increase with the work experience you gain. If you're doing something you love, you might be surprised where that might lead.

AJ, enjoying life with C.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2007
Thu, 11-15-2007 - 1:35pm
I couldn't imagine having to go to a job every day that I didn't like, or even, just kind of liked!! I'm 50 years old, have a masters degree and have 26 years of experience and make just over $40,000/yr. (That sounds pitiful!!!) I live in the midwest and I work at a university in a professional capacity. I wouldn't trade my job in higher education for anything, but I do get frustrated that I always have to have a second job. I think I have only not had a second job for maybe a year total out of the 26 years!! But again, I love coming to work every day, that makes a huge difference!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-27-2005
Thu, 11-15-2007 - 9:25pm
I'm 24 and I'm barely gonna pull in $20,000 this year. I dont have a degree as of yet, still in school and will probably get a second job in the next few months or so. Most people I know that are around my age (or even older) are in the same boat as me.... I dont think I know anyone who really makes alot of money (aside from my parents, or other people in their 40s)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2007
Fri, 11-16-2007 - 10:06am

Hi,


You are right most people do not make that much money at 23, but I think it also depends where you live. If it's a small town; then, chances are that people will make less money than people in the larger city. It also depends on what field you are

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2006
Fri, 11-16-2007 - 1:03pm

>>And, trust me, more money doesn't make you happier, it's just more convenient.


Good point, I never thought of it that way.


Thanks to all, it really did help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-07-2007
Fri, 11-16-2007 - 9:58pm

As long as you compare your life to others, you will always feel "behind" or feel somewhat inadequate. So please stop comparing yourself to others. If if bothers you so much about debt, maybe see a financial counselor. Or sit down and decide what you can do to tackle this debt. Focus on ways to make more money, instead of thinking about the debt. If you think about debt all the time, that is what you will attract. You may want to consider relocating to another state that isn't nearly as expensive. I live in Texas. The cost of living is awesome, no state taxes and weather is beautiful! I work in the financial business and make around 40K a year. It's just something to consider. I wish you the best.


hotcarmel

"It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts."-Adlai Stevenson

Chelle-

Amour-Propre

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