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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you have a wage/income that would shock people?

796 replies

Newmumatlast · 27/02/2023 20:40

Inspired by the tipping hairdresser thread, and a post on there about people having no idea what some people earn with an anecdote about a London cabbie earning twice what his nurse wife did.

I just wondered if anyone does a job where people would actually be shocked to know their true earnings based on stereotype- either way. For example cleaner earning loads or lawyer earning very little.

OP posts:
Changedmymindtoday · 27/02/2023 22:00

I earn a very decent wage.
I have nice handbags that I use sometimes but tbh they are not a give away as people on not good salaries carry them too.

I get ignored notably at make up counters because I don’t look like someone that would spend money! Yes agree you Mac and Charlotte Tilbury you (not all but too many snobby) make up assistants. I take my buying sprees elsewhere.

Sometimes I travel for work and I dress so casual and wonder if the suit sat next to me has any idea that I likely earn way more!

it’s those that try to show the air of money that don’t have it.

Sotiredmjmmy · 27/02/2023 22:02

Cococomellonn · 27/02/2023 21:30

This area of law is not lucrative. The commercial lawyers tend to earn more money and also what is a lot for a "qualified solicitor" depends on where and how qualified they are.

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£30-40k is very average and typcial for solicitors that are employees rather than partners. Yes some earn way over that but the average is in that ballpark

scoobycute · 27/02/2023 22:02

Orangeis · 27/02/2023 21:33

I'm a nurse earning 50k and living somewhere very cheap, so I live well. I'm always a bit bewildered when people give off pitying vibes that I must be on the breadline.

PARDON?! I presume you're a band 6 or 7?! Do you work for the NHS? Do you work a lot of overtime/nights?

As a fellow nurse..I'm baffled

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 27/02/2023 22:05

I'm not far off 6 figures now but doubt anyone would have any idea of that. I live in what's classed as a deprived area, in a 3 bed house that we got 13 yrs ago for £83k, couple of years left on the mortgage so we'll be free and clear by the time I'm early 40s.

Most people probably assume my WFH job is doing admin or call centre work or something and that I'm on a lower wage than my DH because that's the expectation and the norm.

Bobshhh · 27/02/2023 22:05

I’ve had two substantial pay rises over the last year and I think a few friends outside of London would be shocked. I still spend sensibly, budget and ask if we can do something quite cheap. I can’t imagine that changing!

Travelationjubilation · 27/02/2023 22:06

I am widowed and earn £50k for 4 days a week in the voluntary sector. When my husband died almost everyone assumed and often asked if I would have to move and would I be ok. They don’t know I have a £1m house mortgage free, the same in investments which I haven’t ever touched and am paying school fees out of cash reserves. People assumed that my low key primark who worked in IT was a glorified helpdesk worker and had no idea he was earning about £250k a year hence me being comfortable now for life. People openly say they hope I am ok, and how lucky I am to have family help which must make a real difference but my family have never given me a penny

BasoonerOrLater · 27/02/2023 22:06

I’m a teacher in senior leadership (but lower level senior leadership - assistant headteacher). Large secondary school in London. I’m on £80k. I think this is more than most people would expect (and I don’t think it’s typical, although more so for my location and particular trust).

thelinkisdead · 27/02/2023 22:06

I work part time and our combined income is over £120k. I’m not sure anyone would ever think this because we don’t drive good cars and I’m planning on going back to work full time soon - because I like my job. I’m happy for the narrative of us needing the money to continue to be honest!

converseandjeans · 27/02/2023 22:06

@Eastmeetswest1

I'm intrigued by what you do! Also why don't you put children in nursery so you can work during the day? You must be exhausted or just amazing at juggling everything.

Gimmethemoney · 27/02/2023 22:09

We are approaching 200k as a household. Don't think most of my circle of friends realize as we aren't obvious about it and prioritise saving. CoL has hit us mostly in terms of downgrading in certain areas where it doesn't matter.

NCagain23 · 27/02/2023 22:11

I've NC for this.

DH is a prison officer and on paper that's a lower paid job (I think basic pay circa £25k?) However, with overtime and bonuses (for at times working away in other prisons that are short staffed), he nets per month in the region £4-4,500 (overtime dependent). I earn just shy of 50k in a professional role that took years of study and hard work, and he takes home considerably more than me after tax.

bellylaughsalldaylong · 27/02/2023 22:11

scoobycute · 27/02/2023 22:02

PARDON?! I presume you're a band 6 or 7?! Do you work for the NHS? Do you work a lot of overtime/nights?

As a fellow nurse..I'm baffled

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Surely there must be different grades of nurses and couple this with the need for qualified nurses in low cost living areas?

i earn roughly £56k a year in finance

BloomingXmas · 27/02/2023 22:11

As a childminder, I earn £200ish a day, that is before any expenses/insurance/meals/resources.

my outgoings are at least 1/3 of my income and I work 10 hour days. Definitely not worth it!

FancyFanny · 27/02/2023 22:11

girlfriend44 · 27/02/2023 21:49

How's that then, butchers are poor today as everyone uses supermarkets.

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Never met a poor butcher! Or farmer!

Alwayswonderedwhy · 27/02/2023 22:11

I'm self employed in a creative job. People often assume I'm doing it for free or it's my hobby.
Although I don't earn a huge amount because it's part time, pro rata it's £80,000.

Emmamoo89 · 27/02/2023 22:11

girlfriend44 · 27/02/2023 21:49

How's that then, butchers are poor today as everyone uses supermarkets.

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Butchers aren't poor. For a start I'd rather pay money for proper meat than processed meat from a supermarket

Dolares · 27/02/2023 22:12

DH is a store manager in retail and earns £30k. People not in retail assume he earns a lot more.

Until recently I've been a sahm for 4 years so we just had one income. I think people would be shocked that we could manage on that single salary. Now that I'm working (part time, minimum wage) we actually feel financially comfortable.

McHelenz · 27/02/2023 22:12

Just had a look at the agenda for change pay scales and to earn 50k you need to be a band 8a. So to say you're not experienced is a downright lie when you're either exaggerating your wage or you're a modern matron.

I'm a band 7 and earn just over 40.

Cosmos123 · 27/02/2023 22:13

Daytripp · 27/02/2023 21:25

I’m a big 4 accountant in the regions not London and earn nowhere near what people think I do

More or less than what people think?

Amy8 · 27/02/2023 22:13

Travelationjubilation · 27/02/2023 22:06

I am widowed and earn £50k for 4 days a week in the voluntary sector. When my husband died almost everyone assumed and often asked if I would have to move and would I be ok. They don’t know I have a £1m house mortgage free, the same in investments which I haven’t ever touched and am paying school fees out of cash reserves. People assumed that my low key primark who worked in IT was a glorified helpdesk worker and had no idea he was earning about £250k a year hence me being comfortable now for life. People openly say they hope I am ok, and how lucky I am to have family help which must make a real difference but my family have never given me a penny

This story is my story too - wow not many of us , the poor widow thing makes me feel uncomfortable tbh but I don't correct anyone

Mynotsoperfectlittlefamily · 27/02/2023 22:14

I can't work ATM due to health issues that children have. Most people assume we are struggling but due to their health issues my income is just under 40k and my husband is self employed on 20-30k depending on the year. Definitely assumed by everyone around us that we are on the breadline. But we don't discuss it outside the house tbh

tabulahrasa · 27/02/2023 22:15

FancyFanny · 27/02/2023 22:11

Never met a poor butcher! Or farmer!

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I’ve met plenty of poor farmers

alwaysraining123 · 27/02/2023 22:15

I think people I know would be surprised at my earnings - £120k + in market research. I dress like a tramp and don’t splash the cash so people tend to look down in pity. In reality together with my partner we’re minted. 😂

McHelenz · 27/02/2023 22:16

bellylaughsalldaylong · 27/02/2023 22:11

Surely there must be different grades of nurses and couple this with the need for qualified nurses in low cost living areas?

i earn roughly £56k a year in finance

Show quote history

Yea nursing grades start at Band 5 and run up from there. Band 5 and 7 don't even touch 50k, Band 8a which would be senior management/matron start at 48k and go to 54k after 5 years experience.

Disarm · 27/02/2023 22:16

Cabin crew. Part-time. Twenty years at the same company. £30k.