Earn your age and you’re doing well

[Sunpiercer]

Has anyone else heard this? I was told this by a family friend when I was a teenager and ironically pretty much from 17 onwards I’ve earnt slightly above ‘my age’ which was my target. Ive gone from about 30k (29) 18 months ago to 45k (30) so I’m physiologically happy that I’m ’earning above my age’ even though on MN terms that’s not a great salary 🤣
I’m aware how daft this sounds and it’s not something I’ve discussed outside that random conversation! 😆

Did he make this up? Was/Is this a thing?

A teacher said this to me when I was in year 10 in school and it stuck with me ever since. Mainly because until I was 32 I was earning considerably less than my age and I felt like a huge failure.

In reality everyone is on their own timeline so I certainly won't be repeating this to my kids.

It's earn your age until 30 and then double it.

That seems to work for current times 🙂 A lot of people get their first (or only) big promotion around 30, too, so it's probably feasible for many.

This is partly why women's earnings fail to keep up with men's after having DC, btw. Colleagues are putting air between their salary and yours, just as you're on mat/parental leave. One of multiple reasons to push paternal leave harder.

This was a thing 35 years ago so that would equate to more than double your age nowadays.

Yes I remember hearing this when I was a young adult, it doesnt really stack up with inflation though!

I’m so glad it’s not just me! Family friend is about 20 years older than me so makes sense. Also glad PP mentioned it’s something said which sticks with you, I’ve not managed to shake it off but agree it doesn’t make as much sense in modern times.
If it’s earn your age till 30 then double it I'm defo under target! Another thing to beat myself up with (half joking) 🙃

Someone who I consider to be an absolute tool said this to me when I was 22 and earning £17k (in 2006). I actually went down from there and took a pay cut and earned £15k aged 23.
I now earn £75k aged 40.
The 'earn your age' thing is bullshit, especially when you account for inflation!

I've never heard that either. But it's true for me. 43k age 42

I earn above my age but only earn £35k ish as a teacher who hasn't been teaching very long! I don't think it works well with the cost of living anymore. 20 years ago 35k would have been a decent wage for a family, I'd not survive on my income if it wasn't heavily supported by DH's much larger one.