In thinking that this salary really isn’t anything to brag about

[WinterAx]

A good friend’s 23yo DD has just accepted a new job where she’ll be earning 31k. Since that time, I haven’t heard the last of it with regards to what a ‘high earner’ she will be now and how much more she’ll be earning than any of her peers. I’m being told she’ll no doubt be jetting off on lots of exotic holidays and buying a Range Rover and such like. Now don’t get me wrong, this is a good friend of mine and of course she’s a proud mother but... 31k... really? Is this really considered ‘high earner’ status these days?!

Admittedly we don’t live in a city so living costs aren’t high and I know she owns property already with her boyfriend who also earns a similar amount... but I’m just genuinely interested what sort of salary outside of the city is considered to be good these days? If you can genuinely be comfortable on that sort of wage I’m thinking of semi retiring!!!

And I see that old chestnut I work hard is coming up again from the high earners.

Do you really not realise how insulting that is to hard working people in low-wage industries?

FFS.

I agree with you op.
It’s a very good wage And well done to your friend’s dd but why does friend bang on about it ?
I can’t stand people bragging about their children, whatever their age !
Especially an exaggerated brag like this.

Do you really not realise how insulting that is to hard working people in low-wage industries

As I read it, The insinuation is not that others don’t work hard or equally as hard. It’s simoly a statement of fact. They are not saying rhey work harder. Simply they work hard for the money and that will be true. It doesn’t mean they think no one else does.

A bit like parents that boast about their children being ‘clever’; you know it’s just because the parents are thick and are impressed because their child can read a few words

You could be a 19 year old Carpenter and earn over £30k

£23k is a reasonable starting salary straight out of Uni or straight out of college with a
Trade for a good company, but nothing to sing from the roof tops about

You could get more than that job for being a ticket guard on southern rail (from age 17 up its £36k a year) They are advertising now 😊

At £23k you would still be making minimum repayments on your student loan 😊

ummm that’s really impressive for that age, i know someone who’s 50 and still earning 20K so for someone that young to be earning that much yes it is impressive, good for her.

It’s also within the lowest tax band

Sorry I got muddled thought it was £23k.

Pp still stand 😊

They may not mean it that way bluntness but saying "I earn £££ because I work hard" does imply that those who don't earn £££ could do if they worked harder, which just isn't true. Some industries pay more than others, regardless of effort.

As a post doctoral scientist, no matter how hard I work I will only earn a fraction of the salary of my friend who works in finance.

I think it’s quite vulgar for a mother to tell you her child’s income. Is this acceptable chit chat now?

My boss earns £180K and many of his peers are on the same amount. I am impressed by that salary. However that is a very good wage for a 23 year old with no family responsibilities.

It's a good salary for a 23 year old. I'm not really sure what is up for debate really!

Where I live it would be a good salary for most people.

That is a fab salary. Id be delighted although no doubt they want their pound of flesh in terms of unpaid overtime, being called at home etc..thats not good.

Vulgar and uncouth 😀 not everyone is uptight about money

KityGlitr there’s no need to be so rude I did caveat my statement in my original post if you refer back to it. This is all about opinion, the OP is asking if the figure is impressive which is purely subjective! Or do you have an official ONS measure of impressiveness?

I think it’s a great amount to earn, 23 or not. She’s probably cringing at her mum telling everyone though.

I’m with you MissWilmott

Also I don’t see how a Mum confiding her daughter’s salary in a close friend is boasting or braggy. I’m sure she’s just proud

Bloody hell how much do you earn if you think thats mediocre i wouldnt be very happy if my mum was telling people how much i earned though. I was working full time as a nurse and getting 23,000 a year! Even less when i worked for the NHS and that was with a degree. Can you tell me what qualifications she did so i can do them please lol

i think it’s quite vulgar for a mother to tell you her child’s income. Is this acceptable chit chat now?

For us, yes it would be, we have all known each other for years and the kids since they were born, and we’ve all been through the trials and tribulations together, and the op classifies the mum as a good friend ( although it doesn’t appear thr op is a good friend in return).we also all know how much each of us earns, what our savings are etc and are quite open about money.

However I wouldn’t discuss it with an acquaintance or casual friend and would be surprised if one did with me. I think it depends on the level of friendship.

I'm genuinely confused Poppy, what was rude about what I said? "Your expectations are very much off there, Poppy" are you mixing me up with someone else?

The subsequent discussion about secrecy around salaries wasn't in any way directed at you!

It’s a very good salary for a 23 year old. I don’t know why people feel it’s ok to boast like that though. My OH has a cousin who has just got her first job out of uni. I’ve lost track of the number of times we’ve been told her starting salary. I just nod and say “that’s great” but in reality I think it’s quite distasteful to be telling everybody what she’s earning.

That money won't go far if she's gets money advice from her financially illiterate parents.

I'm in that with the degree I have just taken. Dh just works 16 hours on minimum wage now as I can afford to pay everything and for all the children. We have 2 properties, 1 empty, 2 cars, multiple kids.

I feel very loaded and I am loving it!

Its loads, let her be happy