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Original poster

To ask how you've reached a high salary? 50k+

290 replies

Redvelvetdreams1 · 14/01/2025 19:03

I'm on 29.5k which is the most I've ever earned in my life, and I'm 34. I have a degree and a PGCE but here we are.
I'm never going to be a millionaire, but I just don't feel like I'll ever know what it's like to be well off. I live alone too but fortunately only have myself to support.

I'm an EO in the Civil service, which i hate. I'm not trying to be rich, but I'd just love to have a comfortable salary and be able to save comfortably, go on proper holidays and not just a £19.99 ryanair flight (I know I'm lucky to even do that) afford to learn to drive, and just know what it's like to not have to check my bank account daily and count every penny.

However I know this is the reality for most people. Maybe I can go back to teaching and try to make it up to SLT, but school behaviour is horrendous these days which is why I left.

I'm just feeling a bit lost. I know I'm lucky to even have a job, but without sounding arrogant I considered myself as intelligent, I gained qualifications, can speak other languages and a lot of people my age are earning quite a bit more than me.
Just interested to hear anyone's stories and any advice on where to go from here.

OP posts:
Zanatdy · 14/01/2025 19:11

Redvelvetdreams1 · 14/01/2025 19:09

HMRC. I'm in the 'CTU' if that means anything to you, and I really dislike it. Micromanaged to a tee.

I'll keep looking, hopefully something will come up, thanks.

Show quote history

Some departments are like that, others aren’t. Doesn’t happen in my teams, that’s why we have an amazing retention rate as they never leave.

Runningoutofthyme · 14/01/2025 19:10

Work for a large company where you can progress and there are good pay increases
eta move jobs every 2-3 years

Original poster
Redvelvetdreams1 · 14/01/2025 19:10

Thanks for the suggestion of abroad, atm I'm looking to stay here as I recently bought a home and my partner is here.
I don't want to look like a job hopper but maybe sometimes it's necessary. Sorry I know I probably sound a bit entitled, I just feel like I've got myself in this position and could have done better.

OP posts:
Jotim02 · 14/01/2025 19:10

@Zanatdy how do you earn £67k as grade 7, that's usually grade 6, what department are you in? @Redvelvetdreams1 don't give up, there's are lots of opportunities in the CS, Take advantage of free training, apply by for apprenticeships, be strategic about where you want to get to and speak to those who have got there. Join a network, volunteer, ask your boss for development opportunities

HaveItAll90 · 14/01/2025 19:09

I earn almost 70k same age as you. Started working in contact centres straight from uni. Did all the crappy jobs noone wanted (complaints, escalations,) worked my way up to team management, department management. Had a child took a year out.

Then came back and side stepped into sales team manager, after 2 years became head of sales.

All in all that trajectory has taken me 10 years (I had a few jobbing about roles after uni) so 24-34

Original poster
Redvelvetdreams1 · 14/01/2025 19:09

Holidayfitness · 14/01/2025 19:08

Where are you in the Civil Service? Are you definitely looking to leave? There's usually lots of promotion opportunities- could you look for a sideways move to another department or function? I was an EO equivalent from 2004 to 2015 and am now a Grade 7, but I moved from an ALB to a dept with more promotion opportunities.

HMRC. I'm in the 'CTU' if that means anything to you, and I really dislike it. Micromanaged to a tee.

I'll keep looking, hopefully something will come up, thanks.

OP posts:
ShanghaiDiva · 14/01/2025 19:08

what about teaching in an international school. Behaviour is generally good and lots of opportunities to travel.

Holidayfitness · 14/01/2025 19:08

Where are you in the Civil Service? Are you definitely looking to leave? There's usually lots of promotion opportunities- could you look for a sideways move to another department or function? I was an EO equivalent from 2004 to 2015 and am now a Grade 7, but I moved from an ALB to a dept with more promotion opportunities.

Amba1998 · 14/01/2025 19:08

70k lawyer. 5 years qualified.

some industries pay better and usually that is the private sector!

Original poster
Redvelvetdreams1 · 14/01/2025 19:08

Thanks for your swift replies. I've only been an EO for 2 months, not sure I'd yet be experienced enough to be a HEO? Maybe I could go back to teaching.
I used to do supply teaching but with having the mortgage now I can't afford to not be in something stable.

OP posts:
Zanatdy · 14/01/2025 19:07

What about the foreign office? My ex is a diplomat, earns a lot more than I do and has seen the world

Original poster
Redvelvetdreams1 · 14/01/2025 19:06

When I said about the Ryanair flight, I was able to afford to fly abroad for one night for £19.99 and stay with a relative for free. That was my last holiday, it's just an example.

OP posts:
DrMadelineMaxwell · 14/01/2025 19:06

Not helpful info here based on what you've said about school, but I got to 50k by working my way through the pay scales in teaching, then took on a TLR to join the SLT without being a dept or HOD.

Zanatdy · 14/01/2025 19:06

Plenty of opportunity to earn more in the civil service, and to change roles / departments. I started off an an EO on 16k back then, now on 67k as a G7. More than I ever expected to earn, though not huge compared to where I live so i’m not well off due to high housing and single income. But planning to head north next year when youngest goes to uni where my money will go further. Also have built up a very nice pension, God willing I am here to enjoy it.

NeverEverOhNo · 14/01/2025 19:05

Top range teacher (around 6-9 years experience) with a TLR and you'll be around 50k. Head of English, Maths or Science can earn circa 60k.

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