What does “Good Salary” mean to you?
Okay, so I come from a middle class family in NC who was better off than most of the people around me. Living the dream is having enough money to pay off your student loans and other debts while spending time with family and/or friends.
I’ve always been content with what I have, but after being on Blind for awhile, I’m starting to realize I’m not really shooting for the stars or anything here.
Are there really that many SWEs with < 5 YOE who are making $250K+? I mean, location is a big factor, but according to the national and local college graduate averages, it looks like $120K is really top end for 1st year grads in comp sci. In five years should your compensation double? At $250K I can have a pretty great quality of life and save for the future.
What am I missing here? Why do people feel like $350K is crappy pay sometimes (for IMO minimal experience) when they can live debt free if desired, travel, buy a house, support family, save, etc.? Am I just financially...Blind?! (Hahahahaha...)
#personalfinance #help
comments
A house in a higher COL area in NC will average out to 400k. That same house in Cali could be 1.4mil+. You’ll find some new grads in SF making 200k+ but are living in a 1000sqf apartment with 3 other people. That being said, most of the people I see complaining about their TC are TC chasers, where there is no end in sight. They’ll always want more. Those people do exist. I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing. Those people tend to be younger and have much more drive and energy to do so.
I think if you are able to afford the niceties you want, have time to spend with your family, friends, and hobbies, and stay out of debt, you are doing things right.
Could care less about promotions etc.
I'll be happy for life.
There will always be something that's better (TC wise) out there. If you are simply just chasing TC, you'll find that you never have chance to live.
Find your own thing and you'll do just fine.
I'd consider my TC on the low end, because I'm not very good.
165 TC