How old are you and how much do you earn?

[JourneyofSelfImprovement]

Sorry I know it's nosy obviously if you don't want to answer that's fine!

It's more to give me inspiration that at my age (29) I will actually at some point be able to get myself a job that's on more than minimum wage (work in retail now).

I'm educated to degree level and have lots of skills I could transfer, but have zero self confidence. I want nice things though (sunny holidays, newer car, savings etc) so the reality is I need to find myself a higher paid job!

I'm 39 and earn £27,000 for three days (21 hours) a week. I've been here for 14 years and had pay progression and a promotion after two lots of maternity leave. I'm educated to degree level.

27 and 32k f/t. No degree here.

36, no degree, just gcses. Worked hard and worked my way up £38k FTE, but part time so £28.5k

Age 42, earn approx £14k as a part time healthcare assistant for the nhs.

I've got a degree but I don't need it for the job.

Money is a struggle but I have to work pt in a low stress job for health reasons.

52 and earning £27k as a single mum working ft. I'd love a better paid job but am too tired to go through all the hassle plus my boss is pretty good when flexibility is needed

Wow some high earners here with no degrees.
I do regret going to Uni I think - seems a waste now. If I had my time again I'd just work my way up in a role, some of the better earners I know done just that!

@daphine2004 that does apply to me! I know that all of my friends earn more than I do. I know it's not a competition but it would be nice for me to be in a stronger position financially the same as them.

30 and earn 30k. Have an under grad degree

In your post you say you have lots of skills so you clearly know your strengths, and that lack of confidence is holding you back.

Often people earn much more than their ability because they exude confidence in themselves. Work on your confidence and perhaps the increased salary will come.

I work in sales, have zero confidence in my ability to do anything else, but earn a good living. My lack of self belief drives sales as I always feel I need to validate my worthiness. We’re all different.

Are you working in an area related to your degree and have you worked for the same employer for a long time. Often it’s moving every 2 years that gives the increase in salary.

34, 17k plus bonus. Uncapped bonus which is usually between £500-1000 a month

23 and 23k - hate it though.

What do you want to do?
I was thinking when DS leaves home I'd apply for MI5 or something ... they had a test online, when I did it - the outcome was strongly advising me to apply.
I'd love to do something like that.

If you struggle to sell yourself at interview, might a temping agency be a way in to office type work, which can often lead to a permanent post if other opportunities come up with the employers you get placed with?

33 and I earn 40k (degree and PGCE I’m a teacher)

I'm 24 and run my own small business. Last year I made a whopping £400 profit. It was my first year of profit though, so exciting. I'm educated to degree level, and my business does not relate to my degree at all.

I was thinking when DS leaves home I'd apply for MI5 or something

I also always thought this sounded interesting but a friend of mine went for a job with them and it's horrible because you're not allowed to tell anyone you're applying or, if you get the job, that you work there. It wasn't only her that had to be vetted but her whole family, partner etc. It's so intrusive. Then at the final stage they told her there were certain countries she couldn't visit while working for them, I think China was one of them, but there were others too. So she turned down the job in the end as it was just too restrictive. Very hard to have a normal life, because you can't come home and chat about your day or anything like that.

OP whatever you go for, make it something that is in demand. Do some research. Something you can do as a temp or freelance in time. Then you have a lot more freedom. So, as an example, a friend of mine is a Social Worker. She started off permanent but now she temps, they're so short staffed she's never out of work. She would work for a year or two then take a year off to go travelling and just get another post when she got back. It's also easier if you have children in the future too due to the flexibility, ease of getting back into it etc.

54 and earn £33k which includes unsocial hours, I have a degree which is now essential for my role.

33, £55K plus benefits and bonus.

33, £24k for 28hr week, over three days. Work in frontline healthcare.

26, £45k. Left school at 16 - feel very fortunate to be in my position!

I’m 25 and £28-37k (NHS 6). Degree in relevant field, but studied it whilst working my way up

36 and earn £52k.

26 and £32k
I did a degree but nothing to do with what I'm working in now (loved my degree and uni time though)

42, £23K p/t hours. Full time may not be available for years, but I like the idea of retraining. Feel a bit old though and youngest has 3 years at primary to go!

30 (31 next week) self employed, attended uni, I earn roughly £60k