What did you think s/he earned?

Growing up and working in this area, I learned pretty quickly not to think too much about other people's salaries whenever the topic comes up. There will always be someone in the group who's killing it. Your salary will never be "high enough" if you keep thinking about how much others make.

So?

It says more about you than her that you’re sick about this data point.

Anonymous wrote:What field of work?

Doing what?
I know a young man in his 20's who owns a business where trucks rest on highways ... I thought the county/state managed these things but apparently it is something that is beubg outsourced to private contractors.
He said he works about 30 days a year but makes over a million after all expenses.
I also know a young couple who telecommute 100% and spend a lot of time traveling for pleasure. One is a lawyer for a business firm and the other one a project manager. They just bought a 4.8 million house. They don't come from money. I never get a straightforward answer when I ask them what exactly do they do.

Realize that most people in the world don’t make nearly this much.

And that people’s worth in this world is more than what they make in salary.

What field of work?

Anonymous wrote:One, before spouse.

That is pretty impressive!

Anonymous wrote:Not sure how someone "slips" their income. We make way more than people would think we do and we definitely don't share it or flaunt spending. We appear comfortable but no one would know how much we make.

Yeah, I would ignore. No one slips their income.

Anonymous wrote:Not sure how someone "slips" their income. We make way more than people would think we do and we definitely don't share it or flaunt spending. We appear comfortable but no one would know how much we make.

I assume that since this was a college friend, the conversation took a turn toward the struggle to get ahead, make ends meet, looming college costs, need to find a new, better-paying job ... all the things that change financially in your post-college life, and that at some point, the friend basically had to say that she gets it, but she's not worried/struggling/having the same fears.

It happens. The conversation takes a turn where you either have to say something or it becomes really inauthentic, and then if it comes out later through the grapevine or something, you know the friend will feel like you were being fake in the conversation or hiding something from her. In a group, you can just sort of not participate much, but one on one I can see how you might have to say something.

Anonymous wrote:Not sure how someone "slips" their income. We make way more than people would think we do and we definitely don't share it or flaunt spending. We appear comfortable but no one would know how much we make.

I wonder how this happens too. My two cents: (1) I understand the shock but don't dwell on it because living life in comparison sucks; (2) Maybe they let it slip because they are feeling insecure themselves in comparison to you about something (kids/marriage/happiness).

One, before spouse.

They means what? One income or two?

PP here. But for your sake, don't let it get to you. The grass is never greener and $ doesn't equate happiness. As long as you can pay your bills and live comfortably, income really doesn't make a difference. What really counts is your health and your quality of life via family, friends, ability to do activities that you enjoy, etc.

Not sure how someone "slips" their income. We make way more than people would think we do and we definitely don't share it or flaunt spending. We appear comfortable but no one would know how much we make.

I can’t stop thinking about this. It’s not like some flashy tech job with stock options or dental surgeon or law partner. Totally unexpected.

You ever been caught off guard after a friend let it slip they’re doing really well?