To be happy earning 30k a year?

[Terracottafarmers]

I'm one of the lower earners out of all my friends - 30k - and I'm actually fine with earning this salary. Majority of my friends are earning between 40-80k a year. I used to have huge drive to do well but doing well comes with lots of stress and I just haven't got it in me. Anyone else?

Depends on your outgoings. I’d have a hard time paying the mortgage on 30k a year. If you live with your parents, or are otherwise rent/mortgage free, then it’s probably fine to live in 30k.

I used to work with someone who had seen the stress and pressure felt by those who strived to earn higher salaries, meet targets, become managers etc, and after graduating decided nope, she didn't want to go down that path of stress. She opted for not much above minimum wage doing admin in the NHS, lived a life like Barbara Good and was thoroughly happy to be 'poor'. It's taken me a decade, but I have finally followed in her footsteps. I've shaved absolutely everything I can off my bills and as from 2 months ago I'll be getting by on about £15k a year. I have absolutely the best life ever.

If you can live comfortably on just over 2K a month without relying on anyone else, then I can't see a problem.

It's more than I've ever earned 😂 full time equivalent in my role is around 36k but I'm part time with no intention of working full time. DH does support us financially though so if I was single I'd probably have to find a bit more drive to earn more

I think it depends were you live. I'm lucky that I live Oop North and bought 10 years ago at £100,000 for a wonky but lovely big terraced. You can still buy 3 bed terraced for £120,000 but it depends whether that's people are happy to settle for that.

Do you have a partner? I earn a bit more than you but am really wanting to be on 40k, then I would be happy. We are doing ok financially and I’m happy enough at work so not motivated to look for something different.

Depends if you’re taking full responsibility for yourself, or whether you’re relying on others and whether they’re comfortable with that. I’d worry about retirement planning, paying off the mortgage and supporting my children to launch into adulthood.

Rather than saying, ‘it comes with lots of stress and I haven’t got it in me’ (something I understand, as I used to be like that!) you could ask, ‘it comes with lots of stress, how do people do it?’ Being curious about how to develop yourself is a possibility if you wish, but also fine to not wish if you can support yourself as you are.

It fascinating you think only your salary is relevant here.
In reality lifestyle is determined these days as much by inherited wealth

Plus of course if you are in a relationship then your partner's salary can also make it much easier or harder to live on a low salary