How to be happy with how much you earn?

[woodenchairleg]

For someone of our age, dp and I earn well. We earn £120k and in our mid 20s.

But the issue is that we live in a very expensive area and everyone around us seems to earn a lot more (as many have inherited wealth).

How do you be happy with what you earn?

FFS. Go volunteer in a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen for a bit of perspective.

I have perspective thank you - I grew up on an estate so I am aware of people’s struggles. But what I want to know is how someone ever feels they earn enough, rather than always wanting to earn more

To be honest I don’t think that they do. Most of us, whether we have household income of 20k or 200k would feel like we could do with a bit more. It’s easy to look up and see those with more than you have, we rarely look down and appreciate how well we are doing.

I think it’s human nature to want more. I’ve never known anyone who’s 100% content with what earn.

I was in a similar position in my late 20s - although single. And the step i took was - move out of London. Meet more varied people in smaller cities/ towns and less utter idiots on unreasonably high salaries of whom there are tons of in London.

If you grew up on 'an estate', assuming it wasn't the one at Chatsworth, is that not enough to keep you grounded enough to realise how massively priveledged you are to earn 120k? I'm being serious, no sarcasm

The majority of people replying to you will earn 20 - 30% of what you earn so bare that in mind when reading responses

I'm pretty happy with what I have tbh. DH and I earn v slightly above €100k between us. Mid 50s, no kids, mortgage paid off. We go away a good bit, have a decent car, pensions, savings, good health insurance.

Would I like to win the lotto? Of course I would but generally I'm satisfied and enjoy what we have.

DH and I earn enough. He earns around 20k and I earn 35k. We are in our late 50s and live in London. It’s definitely enough. We also support one of our DDs. We don’t have a car, or private health insurance.

Another bragging post. As a PP said, go live somewhere else and see the reality of other people's lives.

Interesting question. My suggestion would be basically money cant buy you happiness but not in the way you think.

When money frees you from the day to day struggles of life, the limitations of money itself become apparent and I think that can be so disappointing. And society is there every step of the way to say 'if only you had more'. This is such a seductive myth because the alternative is so much harder, finding fulfillment in meaning. And of course finding meaning is rather hard.

You don’t know she’s bragging so you’re just making yourself look silly.

Some people can.be happy and some cannot. I understand people not being happy if they are struggling to.pay for the basics and the odd luxury. However, the money you are earning is very good. What makes you happy? Do these things. If money makes you happy then.i think.disappointment will always feature in.ur life, as u will want more.

It's all about what makes you happy so suppose.

As a household, we are looking to retire soon with combined private income of circa 50k per annum. State pension will increase that. We have savings and no mortgage. This is plenty for a comfortable life. What it buys is no more answering to workplace idiots and all that corporate nonsense. That's priceless!

Also, we have all the 'stuff' we need. Don't want any more

120 are you kidding in your 20s and you really need to ask

I am the same age as you Op and also living in London. I guess for our generation there's the probability that we bought our homes a long time ago and therefore either have a small mortgage or have paid it.

My DD paid double our mortgage payments for a house share 😲

The love of money is the root of all evil, that’s the full quote.

You have zero idea how your life will pan out, relationships romantic and platonic, deaths expected and unexpected, health issues of your own or others you care about. Money has very little to do with any of these issues.

When you have enough money to live to some level of comfort then that is the time to be able to inwardly reflect. Some are never ever afforded that luxury because they are too worried about making ends meet.

I think that people who want money always want more money. No amount is ever satisfying. Once you reach the top and are the richest person in the world, you want to stay there.

Plenty of people are happy with their lot too.

Yes, this is true. Our two mid-20 adult DC live at home with us too.

The pandemic shifted my perspective about money.
I didn't need all the stuff I was buying before
I didn't need to work all them hours to buy all the stuff I didn't need

I changed my job and reduced my hours.
Im perfectly happy with my life now

WTF? £120k is a great income. Very high compared to national average.

I think your mistake is comparing to those who earn more. If you must compare, compare to those with less. Honestly! It’s the same as counting your blessings. DH and I don’t really want for much, we have a good income but of course just like most people we could be earning a lot more. We are very grateful and have an amazing life. We are not talking mansions and holidays here! We won’t be going abroad this year, that’s for sure. Can I really be arsed with 3 kids on a plane?? Nah. I’ve done it before but very very happy to stay home this year. It’s that sort of perspective that will bring you happiness IMO.

I’m very happy with what I earn , considering I have a lot of health issues just broken £60k a year and managing to save significantly from that to retire in 3 years at 55. There have been many times where I’ve been told I should take ill health etc but I’ve always carried on switching jobs if needed

Oh another, I'm on £120k and still don't feel like I get the proper amount of bells and whistles.

You are surrounded by people who were born into money, whose families have had generations of financial security, for whom money rolls down as each one hits the grave. You can't come from a council estate, earn £120k for a minute and scratch your arse wondering why all your neighbours in your flash new neighbourhood have more than you do. Income isn't wealth.

As a family we bring in similar. I used to work in a role that brought me into contact with people who suffered the worst life has to offer. Poverty, abuse, violence, loss of hope. I’ve always been very aware of the massive amount of privilege that I have. You don’t have to look hard to see how profoundly lucky you are. Try making your comparator those with less than you rather than those with more, especially when in such a high income bracket, and it really does bring things into perspective.

Wow