how much do you hope to make?

[gymgurl]

I'm in the process of deciding whether to stay at a job or go back to school/figure out what i want to do with my life, and my mom is telling me that I shouldn't consider anything where I can't advance to making at least 70000 a year. To me this seems almost impossible, like so many jobs just don't offer that kind of advancement. When thinking in terms of the future, what is your goal in how much you want to make. I was thinking I'd be happy if I could make up to 45-50000 but now according to her, that's not good enough...

[yankeeyosh]

Sounds like someone I know and love :) If I was in a job that I loved and was really happy doing what I was doing, and the cost of living was reasonable, I'd be happy making 40, 45, 50K. But if I have to stay in high cost of living areas, then that is certainly not going to be enough long term.

[SmilesSoSweet]

It really all depends on the cost of living, what type of job you have, and if you enjoy the job you currently do. You can make a sh*t load of money, but not be happy at your job. You can also make just enough to get by, but love your job a whole lot. And you might be able to make that $70k/yr, but you gotta know that in most cases it won't happen right away. You have to wait it out and work a few years for a company (in most cases) before you can earn that much income. If you're looking for instant gratification income, good luck, because most likely that's not going to happen.

And also, don't listen to what your mom thinks you should make. If you can support yourself comfortably and you're happy at what you do for a living, then that's all that matters.

Oh and my own family (mom, dad, brother, sister) doesn't know how much I make a year. I don't know how much my sister, brother and parents make either. We just don't talk about it. It's personal and that way none of us gets involved with each others financial decisions.

[yankeeyosh]

It really all depends on the cost of living, what type of job you have, and if you enjoy the job you currently do. You can make a sh*t load of money, but not be happy at your job. You can also make just enough to get by, but love your job a whole lot. And you might be able to make that $70k/yr, but you gotta know that in most cases it won't happen right away. You have to wait it out and work a few years for a company (in most cases) before you can earn that much income. If you're looking for instant gratification income, good luck, because most likely that's not going to happen.

I agree...many young people want jobs that command 70K right off the bat, or in a year or two at most. Even in the cases where it is realistic, I don't know how many of them realize that these jobs are not really "enjoyable" for the most part.

[27 year haze]

I think your mom is off base. . .unless you're in NY Copenhagen, Tokyo, etc I don't think there is a need for you to be making $70k out of college. . . .and I think it makes more sense to learn something form your work. . . to do somehting worth while, etc. . .

When I was in grad school I had a classmate who was probably ~26-27 jsut got out of peacecorps and came from an upper middle class or possibly upper class family and told me that she would get a job with the feds and make $40k off the bat, and I really didn't think she was worth it. . .I guess I have always resented entitlement. . .

[winneythepooh7]

I think your mom is off base. . .unless you're in NY Copenhagen, Tokyo, etc I don't think there is a need for you to be making $70k out of college. . . .and I think it makes more sense to learn something form your work. . . to do somehting worth while, etc. . .

When I was in grad school I had a classmate who was probably ~26-27 jsut got out of peacecorps and came from an upper middle class or possibly upper class family and told me that she would get a job with the feds and make $40k off the bat, and I really didn't think she was worth it. . .I guess I have always resented entitlement. . .


I live in NYC and honestly, I don't really know too many people who make 70K. And definately NOT right out of college.

[winneythepooh7]

I'm in the process of deciding whether to stay at a job or go back to school/figure out what i want to do with my life, and my mom is telling me that I shouldn't consider anything where I can't advance to making at least 70000 a year. To me this seems almost impossible, like so many jobs just don't offer that kind of advancement. When thinking in terms of the future, what is your goal in how much you want to make. I was thinking I'd be happy if I could make up to 45-50000 but now according to her, that's not good enough...

In my field, unless I work two jobs, or become an Administrator, I am not going to make that much. And I've noticed as well that the more you make, the more they take from your taxes. I only am getting back $185.00 this year in taxes and I make base salary in the mid-40's!!! I also have to give NYC like $659.00 or something insane like that because my company never took out the City taxes. This is what I get for devoting my life to working with the poor and vulnerable :rolleyes: . I guess I have a choice and could always change what I am doing and try to find something else to do, but honestly, it's not that easy to find a new job, especially a higher paying one. A big positive however to making a modest salary is you learn to be a good budgeter pretty quickly. You also learn to appreciate a lot of things in life.

[inmediasres]

A big positive however to making a modest salary is you learn to be a good budgeter pretty quickly. You also learn to appreciate a lot of things in life.

This is so true! If I ever get to go out to dinner now I'm just ever so thrilled. My eyes widen with excitement as the plate is lowered to the table!

[lonestar]

I am trying to get this promotion in July that would bump me to 44K as a systems administrator...that's not bad in Austin because rent is reasonable as is cost of living.

A guy called me the other night (a family friend) and wants me to go into business with him...this guy makes serious $$$ and I may do it because it could certainly pay off. Not sure yet.

[PVD99]

I only know one person who made 80K right out of school and she had a master's degree and got a job as a computer programmer/engineer. Most people I know only made between 40-50 starting out, or even less.

[wordsmith]

My fields of choice are such that I don't ever anticipate making more than $40K at the extreme high end. My first year out of school, I was a full time volunteer in a national program. I made $85 a month, plus room and board. My two salaried jobs since then have been under $25K. That's how it goes with writing/journalism and direct service (not administrative) social work.

It's fine. You just have to bear cost of living in mind, and choose where you can reasonably live accordingly.

[lonestar]

why hasn't anyone said "a million dollars"? Man, we have low expectations.

[wordsmith]

Monetarily, yes. I'm okay with that.

[capella]

why hasn't anyone said "a million dollars"? Man, we have low expectations.
I'm a teacher. I would be insane to expect a million dollars. I don't have low expectations. I have sensible ones. :googly:

[yankeeyosh]

why hasn't anyone said "a million dollars"? Man, we have low expectations.

It's funny...there was a survey taken in 2000 among college seniors, and about half of them said they expected to be millionaires by age 40 :)

[MetFanL]

I agree...many young people want jobs that command 70K right off the bat, or in a year or two at most. Even in the cases where it is realistic, I don't know how many of them realize that these jobs are not really "enjoyable" for the most part.

It took me 6 years to get to that level, but it's enjoyable. And, I expect to continue down this path. You CAN advance to that level with hard work in the right field. It just depends what you pick.

In Gov't, the most I can hope for is low-ish 6 figures. That's my monetary goal.

[yankeeyosh]

It took me 6 years to get to that level, but it's enjoyable. And, I expect to continue down this path. You CAN advance to that level with hard work in the right field. It just depends what you pick.

In Gov't, the most I can hope for is low-ish 6 figures. That's my monetary goal.

Well, I'm referring to jobs that pay 70K+ almost immediately...they mostly require very long hours and are very stressful. There are many jobs that pay 70K that are pleasant, but they generally take time to get.

[lonestar]

I'm a teacher. I would be insane to expect a million dollars. I don't have low expectations. I have sensible ones. :googly:

Yeah, I was looking into teaching. I give you all the credit in the world, capella...I could not do it for what they pay...I am already making more than my friend who's been teaching for two years...and I have been at my job for three months.

I'm not all about the money, but I want some. EVERYBODY wants money...that's why they call it money.

[wordsmith]

Yup, but don't forget the tons of people willing (and preferring) to work jobs for the love more than the money.

[lonestar]

I think that might be something we say now because we don't HAVE a lot of money. In twenty years, when we realize even good jobs aren't all that great and we're looking at the mess we've made of our lives, we'll want the money.

In other words, that's just something poor people say.

[wordsmith]

Or people who devote their entire lives to things like teaching, social work, and journalism. I know quite a few people who don't consider staying in personally fulfilling but low-paying fields to have "made a mess of their lives."

[yankeeyosh]

Or people who devote their entire lives to things like teaching, social work, and journalism. I know quite a few people who don't consider staying in personally fulfilling but low-paying fields to have "made a mess of their lives."

If you like what you're doing, and you can live with any decency, I see no reason why you should like you messed up. If you hate what you're doing, even if you are making a $hitload of $$$, and don't want to do anything about it, then I might think the opposite.

[lonestar]

no i'm talking about the mess we make of our lives in general (not occupationally): getting married, getting divorced, having rotten kids, pulling the plug on a relative, ect.

[wordsmith]

But that has nothing to do with your professional choices or what you aspire to earn!

[lonestar]

Yes, it does because money is the drug that will dull the pain of reality (failed career aspirations, broken marraiges, deaths in the family, shattered relationships...the things that humans do.)

[wordsmith]

Interesting.

[cameralady]

Yes, it does because money is the drug that will dull the pain of reality (failed career aspirations, broken marraiges, deaths in the family, shattered relationships...the things that humans do.)

Let's not forget unemployment.

If you can get $70K, by all means go ahead. At this point, I just want to break $35K...(although like Winney said, making more means they take out more, and here the Feds, the $tate and the ¢ity take a sizeable portion).

ETA: gymgurl's mom probably doesn't want her to fall victim to underemployment.

[wordsmith]

You know, I've honestly never met anybody with a job they despised, or a failed relationship or marriage, or having lost a loved one, who said, "But it's all good, because, hey, I'm making bank."

I think most people find that their paycheck doesn't really dim those major life traumas at all...and then they wind up feeling even more devastated and shattered, because they've always been told that it should be the soothing balm, and make all your personal hardships not matter, and all of a sudden, that's not quite true. Then it's like, "Now what?"

[yankeeyosh]

Let's not forget unemployment.

If you can get $70K, by all means go ahead. At this point, I just want to break $35K...(although like Winney said, making more means they take out more, and here the Feds, the $tate and the ¢ity take a sizeable portion).

How did you do "¢"? I know some programs you can use Alt-xxx, but it doesn't work here...

[lonestar]

You know, I've honestly never met anybody with a job they despised, or a failed relationship or marriage, or having lost a loved one, who said, "But it's all good, because, hey, I'm making bank."

I think most people find that their paycheck doesn't really dim those major life traumas at all...and then they wind up feeling even more devastated and shattered, because they've always been told that it should be the soothing balm, and make all your personal hardships not matter, and all of a sudden, that's not quite true. Then it's like, "Now what?"

They are not going to tell you that. But look at America...we are the #1 consumer of material things for a reason...based on the percantages I would say that most of us will be unhappy people who use money and material things to make up the difference.

[cheshrcarol]

It took me 6 years to get to that level, but it's enjoyable. And, I expect to continue down this path. You CAN advance to that level with hard work in the right field. It just depends what you pick.

In Gov't, the most I can hope for is low-ish 6 figures. That's my monetary goal.What do you do again? Because man, $70k sounds damn good :D.

As gov't workers my parents started out more than 30 years ago both making $7k and now each makes 6 figures, so who knows what will happen to all of us in 30 years.

[wordsmith]

They are not going to tell you that.

So they just pretend to be depressed and despondent and grieving? Because they don't want to let on that they're secretly happy?


based on the percantages I would say that most of us will be unhappy people who use money and material things to make up the difference.

Hey, I guess if that's as much as you aspire to. People make themselves unhappy with their priorities and choices. You don't have to be an unhappy person who opts to salve your wounds with random stuff unless you want to.

[cameralady]

Mark, check your PMs. :)

Money by itself won't make someone happy. I hope what lonestar is getting at is that making a certain minimum amount of money will either help alleviate certain stresses in life, or won't be an additional burden while experiencing stressful times.

[yankeeyosh]

What do you do again? Because man, $70k sounds damn good :D.

As gov't workers my parents started out more than 30 years ago both making $7k and now each makes 6 figures, so who knows what will happen to all of us in 30 years.

Keep in mind that 30 years ago, 7K wasn't **that** low. It might be worth somewhere in the low 30s today.

[lonestar]

It's not what I aspire to, it is in the percentages..in twenty years many of us will be sitting there thinking oh I hate this person that sleeps next to me and my children are such bores! My job turned out to be terrible and I want to jump off a bridge. But buying that 5 foot plasma television or that brand new Navigator or that boat or whatever will distract me long enough to forget...

it's human nature...we are born, suffer and die and in the meantime fill our lives with stuff.

[MetFanL]

What do you do again? Because man, $70k sounds damn good :D.

As gov't workers my parents started out more than 30 years ago both making $7k and now each makes 6 figures, so who knows what will happen to all of us in 30 years.

LOL. My parents were the same way. I started at $27K out of school and worked my way up in 6 years. It's do-able.

Honestly, though, I don't know any job that'll pay you $70K out of the gate... It's all "pay your dues first"...

[embrassezla]

Well, I'm referring to jobs that pay 70K+ almost immediately...they mostly require very long hours and are very stressful. There are many jobs that pay 70K that are pleasant, but they generally take time to get.
I started at $70K+ right out of (grad) school. I don't work long hours and i'm not particularly stressed. I like my job a lot - I'm a mathematician.

I also live in an area where cost of living is extremely high - talking about numbers doesn't make as much sense as, say, talking about what you'd like to be able to accomplish. like, "i'd like to make enough money to be able to own my own home by the age of __." or buy a sportscar, or go on a month-long vacation, etc.

I make enough to be able to rent an apartment alone comfortably, and generally not have to watch the # of times per week I eat at a restaurant. However, I don't make enough to come anywhere close to being able to own my own home(without the help of a roommate/second income). If I lived in, say, Pittsburgh, where money goes a lot farther, that might be a reality. So really, again, don't get hung up on a number. $70K doesn't go all that far where I live.

[yankeeyosh]

LOL. My parents were the same way. I started at $27K out of school and worked my way up in 6 years. It's do-able.

Honestly, though, I don't know any job that'll pay you $70K out of the gate... It's all "pay your dues first"...

Well, I knew a number of people who graduated with me who started out at that level (not in my deparment, but elsewhere). The times I graduated in were rather hyperinflated, and there were some who expected salaries in that range, and some got it. It's definitely not ubiquitous, but it's more common than one may think.

[yankeeyosh]

I started at $70K+ right out of (grad) school. I don't work long hours and i'm not particularly stressed. I like my job a lot - I'm a mathematician.



Grad school is different...I'm strictly talking undergrad. Even in meteorolgy, there are plenty who start with 50-60K after grad school (Hell, I know someone in a postdoc making 60K)

[embrassezla]

Grad school is different...I'm strictly talking undergrad. Even in meteorolgy, there are plenty who start with 50-60K after grad school (Hell, I know someone in a postdoc making 60K)
A person with a similar undergrad background to mine would start at $58K.

That would be enough to rent a sh!tty apartment, go out on the weekends, and save a bit every month without much effort. It sounds like a high number - it's not. It's just comfortable.

[yankeeyosh]

A person with a similar undergrad background to mine would start at $58K.

That would be enough to rent a sh!tty apartment, go out on the weekends, and save a bit every month without much effort. It sounds like a high number - it's not. It's just comfortable.

So the going rate (not inflated by any demands by the grad him/herself, but advertised) for your position is $58K at entry level? Pretty good....

[Winter Storm]

Christ! I make a lot lower than these figures! I'm thinking I live comfortably.

[coll214]

Like anything else, I think it depends on the field you're looking at. I know full well that if I were to leave my current job and go corporate I could easily start somewhere making 20k more than I am now; but I stay for other reasons. Sure money is a factor in a job, but it isn't the end all be all. As long as I can afford my home, pay my bills, and have some fun money i'm good. Sure i'd like some more to pay off MORE of the bills, but I'm not gonna sweat about it. Hell i can think of lawyer I know whose monthly take home is my YEARLY salary and she hates her job... seems to me the people I know who make LESS and live within their means are the happiest by far.

[embrassezla]

So the going rate (not inflated by any demands by the grad him/herself, but advertised) for your position is $58K at entry level? Pretty good....
That's the standard offer from my employer for a person with an undergraduate degree, and it's non-negotiable. It's around the median compared to what other (similar) employers offer.

The official position of my employer is that that number does not take cost of living into account (it's based on a complicated formula partly based on comparisons with similar organizations, all over the country, regardless of cost of living). If I could make that amount in a place like Pittsburgh (where I grew up), I would be much better off than I am here. Housing alone could drop by 2/3. I have friends back home making half what I do and buying homes - believe me, it's frustrating.

[embrassezla]

Christ! I make a lot lower than these figures! I'm thinking I live comfortably.
You also live in a VERY affordable area with respect to housing, particularly rental. My 1BR apartment costs 3x what yours does and it's not like I live in the freakin' Taj Mahal of 1BR apartments. *headdesk*

[yankeeyosh]

You also live in a VERY affordable area with respect to housing, particularly rental. My 1BR apartment costs 3x what yours does and it's not like I live in the freakin' Taj Mahal of 1BR apartments. *headdesk*

*headdesk* is right :) I'm wondering what I can afford in Boston (and I'm not even going to be making the 58K for the undergrad...it's fine, but not fantastic)...maybe $1K a month, but not much more than that.

[embrassezla]

*headdesk* is right :) I'm wondering what I can afford in Boston (and I'm not even going to be making the 58K for the undergrad...it's fine, but not fantastic)...maybe $1K a month, but not much more than that.
I haven't been to Boston, but I've heard that the cost of living is similar to MD/DC, in which case $1K/mo for rent should find you something decent.

[yankeeyosh]

I haven't been to Boston, but I've heard that the cost of living is similar to MD/DC, in which case $1K/mo for rent should find you something decent.

Yeah...that's what I've heard, but I haven't seen anything yet :neutral:

But heads up with the math! Mathematicians rule! :)

[SpaceMonkey]

I'm trying to get back into an entry-level position in development/fundraising, which is usually about 30K. I don't exactly know what kinds of salary ranges that could lead to over 10 years, but it partly depends on if I stay in non-profits or go back into the higher education setting. I'm half-planning on going to grad school at some point in the next few years, probably for communications or an MPA.

[inmediasres]

Boston is, on average, more expensive than Washington, DC.

[cameralady]

I make enough to be able to rent an apartment alone comfortably, and generally not have to watch the # of times per week I eat at a restaurant. However, I don't make enough to come anywhere close to being able to own my own home(without the help of a roommate/second income).

If you listen to those ads on Metro, you could buy in Baltimore.

[yankeeyosh]

If you listen to those ads on Metro, you could buy in Baltimore.

Last week, I found out (thanks to winter) that Balto. isn't as expensive as other areas in the Northeast...I don't know if it's just Balto. City or if it's the entire metro area...

[yankeeyosh]

By the way, as a pension administrator (for the next two weeks at least), I have had to look at a lot of salaries (which is one of a whole bunch of reasons why I can't stand it). Anyway, there are LOTS of people who are 26, 27 who are making lots of money. For instance, in this plan I'm working on now, one guy who is 28 made $137,000 last year and another who is 27 made $115K. And there is another person who quit after less than 2 months at age 26, and made over $50K in that time.

[embrassezla]

If you listen to those ads on Metro, you could buy in Baltimore.
I'd love to buy in Baltimore, but my commute would be hell.

[ebruening]

I have simple desires. Like capella, I'm a teacher, and I know I'll be lucky to break the $40K barrier at the very top end of my career. I also live in "the most affordable vacation destination in the nation." Er...yeah, that's because we have Chimney Rock, Husker football...and some llama farms out by where I teach. The average household income for my city is $45K, and that averages out to two earners per household.

[lostinjersey]

I'm in the process of deciding whether to stay at a job or go back to school/figure out what i want to do with my life, and my mom is telling me that I shouldn't consider anything where I can't advance to making at least 70000 a year. To me this seems almost impossible, like so many jobs just don't offer that kind of advancement. When thinking in terms of the future, what is your goal in how much you want to make. I was thinking I'd be happy if I could make up to 45-50000 but now according to her, that's not good enough...

my old man tells me that he doesnt understand how i could possibly be making less than 100k a year... im only 24...

[yankeeyosh]

my old man tells me that he doesnt understand how i could possibly be making less than 100k a year... im only 24...

There are definitely a number of 24 year olds who make 100K but to **expect someone** to make that at 24? That's a bit out of whack.

[PVD99]

If you think that 70K (single, young and childless person) is just living "ok" and kind of comfortable...maybe you're not the best at managing your money. That is waaay more than comfortable, in my opinion. Oh, and I live in Boston.

[lonestar]

100K seems way out of whack...

A friend of mine with a Wharton MBA (perhaps the premier business school) doesn't even make 100K (yet). Also, highly specialized degrees like a petroleum engineering, which are usually at the TOP of the starting salary diaspora get recruited at about 78K.

I don't even think DOCTORS make that much right out of school...

Maybe lawyers, but it took my dad a long time to get to the salary level he is at (250k)...he is 50 and has only been making that much for a couple years.

[PVD99]

A 24 year old making 100K? What line of work? Perhaps a business owner? The only jobs that I can think of where someone that young makes that kind of money are a business owner or someone in sort of sales. I actually knew a 22 year old guy who made 100K a year working at a Toyota car dealership. However, he worked almost 70-80 hours a week.

[yankeeyosh]

If you think that 70K (single, young and childless person) is just living "ok" and kind of comfortable...maybe you're not the best at managing your money. That is waaay more than comfortable, in my opinion. Oh, and I live in Boston.

Well, if you have a car, that could add $10K post tax with insurance, car payments, etc., so it may not be *that* great. But still, it's pretty darn good, and NO ONE should complain at 24, 25 that 70K is not enough...let alone 100K.

[yankeeyosh]

A 24 year old making 100K? What line of work? Perhaps a business owner? The only jobs that I can think of where someone that young makes that kind of money are a business owner or someone in sort of sales. I actually knew a 22 year old guy who made 100K a year working at a Toyota car dealership. However, he worked almost 70-80 hours a week.

It's usually sales, or with a bachelor's degree, I-banking or something similar. You have to work 80-100 hours in those situations.

I have heard of a 24 year old who's a CFO of a large company...no idea how much she makes, though.

[PVD99]

I only make 40K and it feels like nothing in Boston. It sucks. It's the most I've ever made, though.

[vxmike]

When I finish my education in September I'll be able to earn 100k-160k per year depending where/if I move (wages vary quite a bit regionally in my field). To get to the 150k range starting I'd need to move to southern california, the SF bay area or NYC. My goal is to earn 150k.

Keep in mind this is working a LOT of hours (80+ per week).

[PVD99]

It's usually sales, or with a bachelor's degree, I-banking or something similar. You have to work 80-100 hours in those situations.


I banking sounds interesting but I think I would get physically ill from working that much. I don't think my body would be able to take it. They pull in sooo much, though.

[ebruening]

However, he worked almost 70-80 hours a week.

Wow, I don't know whether to cry or laugh. I work that many hours, and I make a quarter of that amount :cry: :lol:

[yankeeyosh]

When I finish my education in September I'll be able to earn 100k-160k per year depending where/if I move (wages vary quite a bit regionally in my field). To get to the 150k range starting I'd need to move to southern california, the SF bay area or NYC. My goal is to earn 150k.

Keep in mind this is working a LOT of hours (80+ per week).

Wow...what kind of work is that, Mike?



I banking sounds interesting but I think I would get physically ill from working that much. I don't think my body would be able to take it. They pull in sooo much, though.

They do, but they spend their lives working a million hours a week with Damocles' sword hanging over them the whole time.

[PVD99]

I think the stress would ruin me. I just don't even know if it is worth it. However, if you made 200K in one year after working for a few years...you could have a huge sum of money to invest and earn money for itself. Then you could quit and work a less stressful job. I think for a lot of those people the money becomes an addiction and a drug, and they just want to work more and earn more to see how much they can get.

[vxmike]

Wow...what kind of work is that, Mike?


Healthcare...specifically Radiology where I will work in CT and MRI. Good pay and when you're willing to work night and evening shifts you can make even more. You can work as much as you want....for example I can add an additional 6k annually to my income just for working 16 hour shifts on all six major holidays. I will be working 80 hours minimum and with overtime I should meet my goals. I already work 80 hours now between work and school, so I know it's possible. I'm 23 and single, so it's no big deal for me to work that much.

Looking to move back to CA where wages are a LOT higher. It might cost me an extra $600/month or so to live but the extra wages more than make up the difference.

Healthcare is the place to be. You can work as much as you're motivated to do - the well paying hours are out there.

[yankeeyosh]

Healthcare...specifically Radiology where I will work in CT and MRI. Good pay and when you're willing to work night and evening shifts you can make even more. You can work as much as you want....for example I can add an additional 6k annually to my income just for working 16 hour shifts on all six major holidays. I will be working 80 hours minimum and with overtime I should meet my goals. I already work 80 hours now between work and school, so I know it's possible. I'm 23 and single, so it's no big deal for me to work that much.

Well, if you enjoy what you're doing, and you're not physically affected by it, then that's great!...although to be frank, I would just find it really hard to enjoy making the money if you're working all the time. What kind of degree does it require?

I think the stress would ruin me. I just don't even know if it is worth it. However, if you made 200K in one year after working for a few years...you could have a huge sum of money to invest and earn money for itself. Then you could quit and work a less stressful job. I think for a lot of those people the money becomes an addiction and a drug, and they just want to work more and earn more to see how much they can get.

That's what a lot of people do...make the $$$ now and live happily ever after later on. The question is whether it's worth the insanity...if you can survive it, then more power to you, but if you can't, it could literally kill you.

[vxmike]

Well, if you enjoy what you're doing, and you're not physically affected by it, then that's great!...although to be frank, I would just find it really hard to enjoy making the money if you're working all the time. What kind of degree does it require?

That's what a lot of people do...make the $$$ now and live happily ever after later on. The question is whether it's worth the insanity...if you can survive it, then more power to you, but if you can't, it could literally kill you.

I honestly don't mind being at work. It's not physically or mentally demanding once you're comfortable and confident in the job. Believe it or not I still have sufficient free time working 80 hours. I will be be able to get a M-F 40 hour job and then work two 16 hour shifts over the weekend (some places will pay 40 for 32 hours if you work unpopular weekend shifts). That's still over 40 hours of free time during the week.

Only requires two years of education. And my plan is to make the $$ now and retire early. Probably by 35 I'll downsize to the easiest job with the fewest hours required to maintain health insurance.

[lonestar]

I think the stress would ruin me. I just don't even know if it is worth it. However, if you made 200K in one year after working for a few years...you could have a huge sum of money to invest and earn money for itself. Then you could quit and work a less stressful job. I think for a lot of those people the money becomes an addiction and a drug, and they just want to work more and earn more to see how much they can get.

See my earlier post...money is a drug...why would anyone want to work 80 hours a week? perhaps to get away from their "other" lives and pursue money...it is the reality for many people in this country.

[embrassezla]

If you think that 70K (single, young and childless person) is just living "ok" and kind of comfortable...maybe you're not the best at managing your money. That is waaay more than comfortable, in my opinion. Oh, and I live in Boston.
precisely my point. a number means a different thing to everyone, because no two situations are exactly alike.

to answer the OP's question, I hope to someday make enough to buy and decorate a nice single-family home, go on vacations every year, adopt a couple dogs, and give to charity organizations regularly. i can't do that on $70K+ where I live. I could probably do that on <$70K if I moved to another part of the country, and that would be fine with me.

[lonestar]

Look at the Housing Commissioner of Ventura County, CA...he had to reside his post because he could not afford to buy a home in Ventura County on an $80,000/year salary.

[Skyblade]

Look at the Housing Commissioner of Ventura County, CA...he had to reside his post because he could not afford to buy a home in Ventura County on an $80,000/year salary.

Hmm...I live in Ventura and as far as housing goes, there are places you could definitely afford for $80,000/yr. Oxnard, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, etc.

The whole reason I moved out of Santa Barbara is that Ventura is much more affordable (although I still work in SB).

[yankeeyosh]

Look at the Housing Commissioner of Ventura County, CA...he had to reside his post because he could not afford to buy a home in Ventura County on an $80,000/year salary.

I've read about homeless people in Frisco making six figures since they can't afford a place to live. I think that's pretty extreme, but there are crazy cases out there...

[ccc]

I gave up worrying about how much I earn. I'd rather try and get into a position where I can look after myself financially with a mix of investment income and doing a part-time job that I enjoy, rather than relying on working full-time doing something I hate.