Washington Post---"Squeaking By" on $300,000? This is "Journalism?" (credit card, job market)

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

.... I'm "slumming it" with a $40,000 salary in Northern Virginia? I'm very happy with what I do for a living and take pride in my work. It's not my fault accountancy is a very underpaid profession in some parts of our nation and is rewarded accordingly in others.

Then why are you constantly complaining about your salary?

[Jersey Stu]

Folks, I think all of us should feel lucky that we live in such a high-paying part of the country instead of always being jealous of the next guy because his house might be bigger pr he might drive a more expensive car. So what? Maybe that guy worked his way up there , and I speak from experience here. When you look around and see the big beautiful homes and nice cars in our area, it shouldn't make you unhappy, it should inspire you to make a success of your own life.

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by Jersey Stu

Folks, I think all of us should feel lucky that we live in such a high-paying part of the country instead of always being jealous of the next guy because his house might be bigger pr he might drive a more expensive car. So what? Maybe that guy worked his way up there , and I speak from experience here. When you look around and see the big beautiful homes and nice cars in our area, it shouldn't make you unhappy, it should inspire you to make a success of your own life.

Well said! No one should expect to have all that at age 23, or even age 35! I know we sure didn't. If folks want those things, working hard for them is the answer! Anyone can make it in America, if they are willing to work hard enough and save hard enough.

[mwruckman]

Originally Posted by live_strong28

Living comfortably with 41k/year salary?

Comfort is obviously relative.

You can't really knock on those whose lives have crashed due to the economy.

They did what they did in order to make the money to sustain their lavish lifestyles in the past. Obviously, the economy changed all that and they will need to adjust.

In this woman's case, a family tragedy, namely a divorce, contributed to their current situation.

I think you're better off not getting too hot and bothered over this article and use it as a lessons learned.

In any regard, I'm sure, as you say, that you're living comfortably at your salary, but when it comes time for you to find a mate, you may realize it's harder than you thought, especially around here. You're going to have to up your game.

Scranny comes from NE Pa where making $41 K is big bucks, so I can see why he thinks he can get by on that wage. I didn't start making decent money until I got my doctorate and started working for AUI (Associated Universities Inc.).

[claremarie]

That article was fascinating. It read like a novel. The only thing I couldn't figure out is what on earth possessed that woman to agree to open her life to a reporter and photographer.
Maybe she's hoping to sell the movie rights.

[live_strong28]

Originally Posted by claremarie

That article was fascinating. It read like a novel. The only thing I couldn't figure out is what on earth possessed that woman to agree to open her life to a reporter and photographer.
Maybe she's hoping to sell the movie rights.

She's attractive enough to find another husband. Nice legs.

[live_strong28]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Just what percentage of dads leave the country to avoid paying child support? I've never known one, have you?

It's 75K now, but if Dad continues to climb the corporate ladder and his income rises, so will her child support.

If you don't know, then go find out.

I'm sure there are tax accountants out there to help him defer his income.

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Then why are you constantly complaining about your salary?

I'm paid lower than most of my peers in the same profession. If I were compensated more equitably for the work I do, then I'd be less inclined to be so irritable about it. How would you feel if you and your best friend both graduated from college with your Bachelor's Degrees in Education, and you found out that your friend was receiving a starting salary $10,000 higher than yours to teach in the next town over to put in the same level of work and effort everyday? That doesn't seem "unfair" to you?

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by mwruckman

Scranny comes from NE Pa where making $41 K is big bucks, so I can see why he thinks he can get by on that wage. I didn't start making decent money until I got my doctorate and started working for AUI (Associated Universities Inc.).

At $41,000 at age 22 I'm already out-earning many 40-year-olds in Scranton. Yes, this IS a "lot of money" in my eyes, and I thank God I was able to land this job despite this incessant recession.

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

I'm paid lower than most of my peers in the same profession. If I were compensated more equitably for the work I do, then I'd be less inclined to be so irritable about it. How would you feel if you and your best friend both graduated from college with your Bachelor's Degrees in Education, and you found out that your friend was receiving a starting salary $10,000 higher than yours to teach in the next town over to put in the same level of work and effort everyday? That doesn't seem "unfair" to you?

Does your NEPA buddy work for a corporation, and did he negotiate his salary? Were you able to negotiate ?