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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to feel deflated after payday despite a decent salary?

530 replies

Wtfisisfor · 24/04/2026 08:04

Do you ever just get paid and think seriously is this it… I got paid this morning 3100 was put into my account, I transferred 1400 to the joint for bills and household expenses. And I’m left with the rest, but when I look at it, I just think, is this it? Anyone else? Just feeling a bit defeated today! I know to some people this is a lot of money. But these days it really doesn’t feel like it. Come and join for a moan

OP posts:
keepswimming38 · 24/04/2026 08:21

That’s about my salary but I just think it’s quite good compared to my husband’s 🤷‍♀️

MidnightPatrol · 24/04/2026 08:19

Ginmonkeyagain · 24/04/2026 08:16

I'm sorry? How on earth are you paying that much tax on a bonus?

You lose your personal allowance over £100k - which creates an effective 62% tax rate up to £125k of income inc NI.

So probably that.

Ginmonkeyagain · 24/04/2026 08:16

I'm sorry? How on earth are you paying that much tax on a bonus?

Jupiter17 · 24/04/2026 08:13

I know exactly what you mean. I’ve just received my payslip for this year’s bonus and see that of the 20k awarded I have lost 14.2k of it in stoppages.

What is the point of working hard to achieve a bonus and then end up with just 5.8k out of 20k?

Don't get me wrong, I am well paid but at the peak of my career I’m now looking at ways to work less due to the tax structure. That’s a ridiculous situation that benefits nobody.

ToffeeCrabApple · 24/04/2026 08:12

I do think what is difficult is the numbers have all become meaningless

What matters is what it buys.

There's no doubt about it, for the equivalent wages it buys a lot less than it did 30 years ago.

The worst things cost wise are:

  • rents/house prices
  • holidays
  • energy bills

My parents lived really well off jobs (teaching and engineering) that these days pay half what I earn