to wish I earned more

[whitelavender]

Before everyone shouts at me telling me to get a better job, my job isn’t really that badly paid. I know that and I’m grateful. I take home just under £2000 every month.

It’s just there is very little left after essential bills.

It gets me down.

That's very good! Are you supporting the family on your income alone? That can disappear money very quickly. We probably have about the same between us, and feel we don't have any money for luxuries and an emergency tends to wipe out all of our savings.

Could you look at outgoings and see if there are any compromises to be made? Sometimes that helps as you can frame things more as well, I'm choosing to not have holidays in order to have this car (or whatever). If you have debts it might be worth looking into whether you can pay them down as that will free up more of your income.

Then lastly, there's nothing wrong with aiming higher as well if that's what you want. Look for opportunities for progression whether within the same company or moving to another? Look into whether there's any training you can do to give you an advantage, work out what the barriers are to you at this level and see if they can be overcome. It's not a given that you have to settle at where you are just because others have less. If anyone tries to give you stick for that just think of it as you're leaving the £2k a month position open for someone earning less to come into!

Yes, it’s just me. That’s the killer really.

I am actually applying for promoted positions at the moment - I also have a very costly commute which is a big chunk out of my income!

I'm with you.

Between DH and I we have around £3500 each month however between mortgage, bills, paying off old depts, childcare, house renovations, and savings there is usually nothing left! We're lucky if we have £300 to last us the month and still need to buy petrol and food.

I've genuinely considered doing things like selling knickers online to get some quick cash but I can't bring myself to do it

Op

If you are single what is stopping you working in the evening or a weekend? Or taking another qualification in your spare time?

I earn approximately half of that after tax for a 40-50 hour week.

I assume her children, melllie?

Well mellie, qualifications are expensive and I do have a good degree. I’m not sure what I could do in my spare time that would help.

Despite being single it is nice to actually have a day off.

Do you rent or own a property? Could you move closer to work? Go through all your outgoings to see if you can switch to cheaper deals and release extra cash into the pot. I switched mortgage deals and saved myself £100 a month so it's worth doing regularly.

Bertie she has no children.

Well op if you don’t want to pay for studies or give any extra time to an evening or weekend job it looks like you’ll have to wait for a promotion.

You can earn more but you don’t want to put the time in.

Well I imagine most people wish they earned more, especially as they will take home less than you do.
If you want more than your already rather good salary you'll have to make some sacrifices.

You're on an income in the region of £30k.

Some families have far less than than coming in. I would suggest that you either find a way to reduce your bills or find an extra way of earning money.

Moneysavingexpert.com may be of help for the first option.

LEM how is that helpful? And how do you know the OP doesn’t work even more hours than you?! Strange and unnecessary post

I do have children They don’t really need childcare as they are a bit older but both still live with me.

OP you should be getting your employer to pay for more qualifications, and having study leave during your working hours.

What field do you work in? Do you have a sense of what role you want to move on to and what those roles pay? If you’re keen to move up and on find some recruiters that work in your sector/field and make yourself known to them. Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date with relevant information (what you’re responsible for, where you have impact) so they can find you.

WaggyMama not that make employers will do that

Many*

LEMtheoriginal you’re being paid less than minimum wage then and that’s illegal

I'm thinking of working in a bar / country pub at weekends for a bit of extra cash & social aspects - would that be an option for you, perhaps?