I felt shame living in DC area

[Anonymous]

I just came across from Real estate topic. I saw most people have their HHI for more than $200k. I felt am I a only family making way less than that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just came across from Real estate topic. I saw most people have their HHI for more than $200k. I felt am I a only family making way less than that?

No, the people who responded have those incomes. Lots of people in this area make less.

that said, a HHI of 200k or so in this area is not uncommon. that's two relatively high-ranking federal workers.

[Anonymous]

In other words, you and I are paying those salaries, OP. NOTHING to be ashamed of!

MOST people int he D.C. area make WELL below 100,000.

[Anonymous]

Why would this cause you to feel shame?

[Anonymous]

OP here;

The reason was I felt sorry not making something decent for my family after several years of profession. It seems this is very common HHI for family whose live in DC area If whatever HHI they mentioned were true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just came across from Real estate topic. I saw most people have their HHI for more than $200k. I felt am I a only family making way less than that?

No, the people who responded have those incomes. Lots of people in this area make less.

that said, a HHI of 200k or so in this area is not uncommon. that's two relatively high-ranking federal workers.

speaking about high ranking federal workers, To be honest, I am Federal contractor, I never seem their rank lower than level 13 for my division. even the new hiring they all start with level 13. There was only one exception, one guy who recently graduate from college. believe or not he start at level 11, just because he was intern here before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here;

The reason was I felt sorry not making something decent for my family after several years of profession. It seems this is very common HHI for family whose live in DC area If whatever HHI they mentioned were true.

DC has a high percentage of very well-educated people. Most of them have had at least 7 years of college and graduate work. These people tend to make more money, and in fact, many of those who are working in government would be making much more if they were elsewhere. Moreover, many of these families choose to have two adults continue working, even if they could have found a way not to do so. But, many people do not have the education or the money, and many with the education choose to work in the non-profit arena, thus forgoing the money, and many choose to live on one income. There is nothing to be ashamed of in any of these situations. It doesn't mean that you don't work very hard and do a good job.

[Anonymous]

I have an MBA and have been in my profession for 20 years and I make $92K working for a nonprofit. it's more family-friendly than the jobs I had before I had my daughter, though it pays a lot less than i could be making. For now, the life balance is worth it. (some of those high-dollar jobs come with lots of hours, travel and very little flexibility, which is hard with kids.)

The median HHI in Arlington and Fairfax, etc. is low 90's, I think, so clearly not everyone in DC is making $200K HHI. You're just hearing from people who are.

[Anonymous]

I have an MBA, as well and have been in my field for 10 years. I am making $80K only. We do not have kid, both I and my wife are working. she is making less than me, therefore our HHI is at least $50K less than $200k.

Don't worry you are not alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just came across from Real estate topic. I saw most people have their HHI for more than $200k. I felt am I a only family making way less than that?

I stopped reading those treads. Those people love to stare at their own belly button. The rest of us boost our self-esteem in other ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just came across from Real estate topic. I saw most people have their HHI for more than $200k. I felt am I a only family making way less than that?

I stopped reading those treads. Those people love to stare at their own belly button. The rest of us boost our self-esteem in other ways.

Agree. It's really easy and not particularly relevant to anything.

[Anonymous]

Do you think it has something to do with the fact that people who make under 100k are less prone to go spouting off about it?
Who is going to get on and start a thread like "what do you think of this outdated poorly built 220k townhouse is a shitty part of town"?
You are only hearing from the outliers I think

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you think it has something to do with the fact that people who make under 100k are less prone to go spouting off about it?
Who is going to get on and start a thread like "what do you think of this outdated poorly built 220k townhouse is a shitty part of town"?
You are only hearing from the outliers I think

True that. Most of the people I know are educated and have a social conscience.

[Anonymous]

No need to feel shame. You and your value are not your job or income.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think it has something to do with the fact that people who make under 100k are less prone to go spouting off about it?
Who is going to get on and start a thread like "what do you think of this outdated poorly built 220k townhouse is a shitty part of town"?
You are only hearing from the outliers I think

True that. Most of the people I know are educated and have a social conscience.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!!