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Original poster

If you're 33 (or thereabouts), how much do you make?

187 replies

emilyintheSE · 02/02/2022 14:08

Just came back to the workforce from a long career break to have DC.

I'm almost 34 and on £50k. It's London, so it feels like it doesn't go very far here.

I just feel a bit stuck and well behind where I should be, but I guess that's what happens when you take time out to be a sahm?

Curious to know where others my age are at.

OP posts:
3amMusings · 02/02/2022 17:38

I'm 33, make roughly £13,500 a year. My job is stressful and I did have a mental breakdown a few years ago over it.

It's not worth it, I know, but what can I do I need money.

Manc2 · 02/02/2022 17:43

I’m 31 and I earn approx 44k in the northwest

SouthParkCovid · 02/02/2022 18:03

Zero SAHM

Will be returning to work in the future but will only work part time.

SoapyChoc · 02/02/2022 18:26

33, salary is 23690. Live in an expensive commuter town. Low confidence is what has held me back as I am very hard working and have had excellent feedback at work.

Peachandpearl · 02/02/2022 18:36

I'll be lucky to make 4k this year at current rate. I'm hoping that will change though. I've spent more time sick than working so far

TedMullins · 02/02/2022 18:39

Are you a lone parent? If you’re part of a couple and have a partner earning at least min wage then that would be over 75k between you which is fine even for London.

I’m almost 33, on 47k and also in London. Childfree and single and own my own flat. I don’t have thousands spare to play with after all outgoings but neither do I feel I’m doing badly.

MrsTophamHat · 02/02/2022 18:40

Should be 32000 but I work 4 days so it's pro rata'd down.

Just applied for a career change that will put me on about £25k. I don't want to stay in my current industry really.

Suprima · 02/02/2022 18:42

Late twenties here and 47,000- but in my career, that is the most I’ll ever earn unless my role changes completely.

I’ll be a SAHM for a bit, assuming my baby arrives safely and then I’ll be changing careers completely. Anticipating a paycut to start!

DoubleChinWoes2 · 02/02/2022 18:45

35 and 60k in Kent

Franca123 · 02/02/2022 18:47

If you want to compare yourself to the population at large, look at ONS charts. Easy to find if you Google this question. Otherwise, it's only really worth comparing yourself to people with a similar career path and / or level of education. I earn well because I found myself in Tech. I wouldn't bother comparing myself to lots of other people I know as Tech is booming right now.

Joesmummy1 · 02/02/2022 18:52

Oh dear OP

Very insensitive. You know the average wage for working adults is c£28k?

Coming on here bemoaning the fact you’re on £50K and you’re only 33.

Private school or just born entitled?

DrPhilYourGuts · 02/02/2022 18:55

Fuck me, what do you all do?!

Early thirties on £32k in London but with no career as such (had to be a career in my twenties so ended up off track). I’m desperate to change and earn more money but I can’t work out what to do. Any suggestions for a career that will get me to £60k or more in 3-5 years welcome Grin

KarenTheGammonRemoaner · 02/02/2022 18:58

It's about whether you enjoy what you do and make enough money for your lifestyle, and whether you're happy. It's not about some number that doesn't take into account relative situations, and it's not about what others make.

When I was 33 I was not working. I was on benefits with my useless ex who refused to work so I gave up work too. I was on 18K before that living up North so had a good lifestyle, no kids. Before that I was on 28K living in London so was worse off and again no kids.

Now I'm 40 with a husband so I work part-time and make a variable amount doing freelance.

But, I am happy now. I am content now. I wasn't happy nor content on 28K nor 18K, nor would I have been happy or content at that time on 58K. Because the amount you make is always relative to whether or not you're enjoying life.

D0lphine · 02/02/2022 18:59

@DrPhilYourGuts

Fuck me, what do you all do?!

Early thirties on £32k in London but with no career as such (had to be a career in my twenties so ended up off track). I’m desperate to change and earn more money but I can’t work out what to do. Any suggestions for a career that will get me to £60k or more in 3-5 years welcome Grin

Creative writing mostly.....
BlowDryRat · 02/02/2022 19:01

@DrPhilYourGuts

Fuck me, what do you all do?!

Early thirties on £32k in London but with no career as such (had to be a career in my twenties so ended up off track). I’m desperate to change and earn more money but I can’t work out what to do. Any suggestions for a career that will get me to £60k or more in 3-5 years welcome Grin

If you have any sort of science or law background then regulatory affairs in pharma or medical devices. It's a niche specialism, in demand and you can earn very decent money pretty quickly.
housemaus · 02/02/2022 19:18

33, on £31k.

DrPhilYourGuts · 02/02/2022 19:22

@BlowDryRat thanks, that’s helpful. Am currently working in STEM but it’s not my background stink I’d probably need to study to do regulatory affairs. Prepared to do so tbh.

Andacherryonthetop · 02/02/2022 19:26

I’m 35 and I earn £46k. I’m a teacher in wales

Muststopeating · 02/02/2022 19:29

33, north east Scotland (work remotely), £66k for 3 days a week (£110k FTE).

Currently on mat leave, 3 kids under 5.

I've worked hard over the years but have also been very very lucky and had a lot of opportunities.

I can't even pretend that my job is important, its a lot of made up nonsense and I am genuinely sorry to those of you who I am absolutely positive do much more important things and have worked much harder for less reward.

BlowDryRat · 02/02/2022 19:33

@DrPhilYourGuts if you already work in STEM then you'd probably be fine (especially if you have experience in something like software or electronics). I'd start off talking to a specialist recruiter and see if you could get an entry-level position. Then study while working so you're in a good position to level up after 3 years. After that, it's all about management skills.

Twixie2022 · 02/02/2022 19:38

32 and 35k plus one half month salary bonus a year. North east.

FloBot7 · 02/02/2022 19:44

Senior admin outside of London and on £26k at 32. DH is in IT (specialist area) also outside of London and on 100k at 34. I haven't taken a career break but did leave my career in law. No money in the world would persuade me to go back to the stress of law.

Original poster
emilyintheSE · 02/02/2022 19:46

@Joesmummy1

Oh dear OP

Very insensitive. You know the average wage for working adults is c£28k?

Coming on here bemoaning the fact you’re on £50K and you’re only 33.

Private school or just born entitled?

Yes I went to private school, but I live in london. If I was making £50k up north, I'm sure I'd have a much better lifestyle. Here it just feels like money coming in one hand and straight out the other.

Most of my friends who haven't had career breaks are earning 80k+ at my age.

OP posts:
qualitygirl · 02/02/2022 19:49

35 and on 54k but I started in current industry late and had two dc in between too.

PaddleBoardingMomma · 02/02/2022 20:01

Comparison is the thief of joy as they say!

Things can change for people in a heart beat. My husband spent his entire 30s earning not much over £20k a year working 5 days a week, now he's 48 and makes 5 times that. It's all transient and everyone has a different story.