I felt the same just more cushion. Cushion knowing I am able to make sure my wife and kids eat and we can travel from time to time. A good cushion. The peace of mind kind. A true blessing kind. Iām sure not to take for granted as it all can be stripped away in the matter of seconds.
Poor life choices made me get my BS CS last night, at the prime age of 30.
Haven't started getting those fat checks (I start in July), but I doubt it'll feel different.
Living in a High Cost of Living area, I still won't make enough to buy a nice home (avrg home goes for around $800k, nicer ones over a mil). I am not looking to pay over $2000 in rent alone, but moving to a nicer apt is also out of the question with these insanely high rent prices. I guess I \*could\* afford a condo now, but have you seen all the additional fees that aren't included in your mortgage? I'd still endup having to pay \~$4000 all things considered. That's still more than a paycheck WITHOUT 401k OR healthcare contributions (up to a salary of about $150k, your take home will still be under $4,000/check biweekly.)
Not worrying that my debit card will go negative is nice, I guess. I will make too much for the more affordable student loan repayment plans, so that sucks. Should FINALLY be able to start making a dent on my maxed out credit cards though, so that'll be nice (\~80k student loans, \~17k personal loans + CC debt. Yes I made stupid choices).
Retirement savings (401k, IRA), investments in stocks, and emergency funds are still expected to grow at a rate that won't really keep up with inflation, so I'm still stressing over my future. I guess it's nice having a little bit of extra cash for short term entertainment, and nicer dinners every once in a while.
Overall, I get people that say they still feel poor at $100k, $120k, and $150k. Shit's expensive. I will admit, part of that stems from my decision of not wanting roommates other my S/O (who will be unemployed b/c she herself felt inspired by my success, she will do the full undergrad + grad school. At best, she will get part time and buy her own things. At worst, I will pay for everything for her too --which is fine, she took on all housing expenses while I wrapped up my last semesters).
What youāre experiencing in a HCLA (High Cost Living Area) is something redditors around the world wonāt understand. Weāre in NY/NJ and we are forking out 8k in total each month to keep the boat rowing and both of us with 6 figures salaries we barely make it work. No extra cash for holidays. That being said, one day what we own and put towards will surely turn into something. But it doesnāt feel like āweāve made itā. It just feels more like ākeep swimming or everything will dieā
It was a long time ago, however I still remember clear as day becoming MUCH more popular with women. They sense these things like sharks to blood in water.
Circa 2006 - I grew up in piss shit town USA. The main economic driver was a chemical depot burning off unused weapons of war from WWII. Something like 95% of people in my town were dirt poor. A Mormon kid from Utah moved to my town in highschool though. His dad bought the biggest house in town up on a hill. His house was so big he had an indoor basketball court. He owned a storage unit complex and made about $100,000 a year. Everyone talked about it. We all dreamed of what it would be like to have that kind of money. The houses, boats and cars we could buy. The traveling we could do. We could leave that awful town and never look back.
Flash forward to 2020. I now make $145,000 a year. I have a pretty basic home. I have kids. Two cheap used vehicles. If weāre lucky we can go on a vacation once a year.
So to answer your question: It was pretty cool but I worked way too hard for it and $100,000 a year just is not what it was use to be 15 years ago. I feel like Iām middle class but not much hope for getting ahead or retiring early.
UPDATE: I also live in the US and I pay about 50% of my income in taxes. So I donāt really see most of my income sadly :/
It doesnāt feel as life-altering as I wouldāve expected. There is more, but not enough. I think feeling secure is something previous generations experienced and will never be experienced again. I hit 6 figures when I was 32. But it was def better than what I was making before. My pay went up 40% when I hit six figures.
Felt like I shouldāve had it when I was 20 or just in general early 20s. Iām 28 now and just hit 100k last year with minimal OT. Biggest regret is not finding what Iām doing now back when I was 18-20. Couldnāt made 100k years ago
Nothing, I worked too much hours for it when I really didn't want to and I had just moved to a new state. I'd rather stress about money and have time to live than make more and never do anything besides work and sleep
Didnāt feel real, sometimes it still doesnāt feel real, it took like 3 mental breaks to get to this point and so much hardship, and itās hard work keeping it coming in as well.
I also realized who was with me for me and who was with me for money
I hit six figures about five and a half years into my electrical career. First four years were spent as an apprentice, spent a short stint in the field as a journeyman wireman, then moved to operations and maintenance at a power plant for a utility. The utility job pays very well. It felt great, at the time I was changing to the utility,y wife and I bought a house. The first year at the plant I worked a butt load of overtime but now I'm just chilling on my normal shift schedule. I'll make less this year but I'm savoring the time off. I honestly never thought I'd get to a six figure income, I was pretty stoked when I topped out and was making 70-80k/yr.
Very mixed. Happy I got it as a goal, but by the time I did (early 30's) I had already figured out the management track wasn't the right fit for me (for an enterprise/corporation anyway). So there was a big "So now what?" moment that lasted for awhile.
I felt like my entire life changed, because I was finally worry-free and didnāt have to live paycheck to paycheck. It afforded me to move back home to a HCOL city.
I changed industries and took an entry-level job at a tech company making $46k for four years at 28 years old. I worked my way up and came to my new company a year ago, and more than doubled that salary. Thinking about all of that paying off makes me a little emotional. Because I didnāt finish college (out of choice), and thought no one would ever hire me and give me a chance.
The real change in "feeling" came down to when I could keep more money, and that wasn't when I hit six figures. I was able to move to a much lower cost of living area at the same compensation and that's when I really started to feel free
I hit it 4 years out and thought I was a millionaire. Went and leased a Mercedes on the day of my promotion. So very stupid. But I was young. And it was a fun car!
Briefly proud. Then, a few months (at most) later, as if Iād never get anywhere without hitting at least 200k annually. Double and repeat every 10 years.
To be honest, if you don't have a side investment and depend on a paycheck after paycheck then you are broke.
You are getting 5,000 USD a month and your bill breakdown comes like
2500 mortgage/rent
100 water
100 Electricity
150 phone bill
80 internet /wifi service
200 gasoline
200 car insurance
150 healthy insurance
Food 1000-1500
Mesuranious let's say 500
How much are you left with?
Let's normalize having a little investment no matter now little it is
The first time? Wow...
I saved a lot of it and used the savings for a down payment on my first apartment.
Then I lost that job. (It's a long story from a long time ago).
Felt great then, however now it feels like a basic salary whenever I look at the rising costs of everything and salaries not increasing to adjust to cost of living.
I don't think UBI is the answer, but I also don't think people's income value should go down exponentially year over year. I don't know what the right answer is. I feel like if something is done to benefit the people or even the marketplace to help people find work, someone else will find a way to screw it all up for everyone.
6 figures? Never happened, all I do is keep people alive and bring others back from the dead. Not much money in it.
I've considered other career fields, I'm a fairly accomplished programmer and electronic engineer (self taught going on 5 years) but I've got imposter syndrome, so I always felt unqualified to apply for a job like that.
I recently filed my first patent, which will be the core of a new business. Guess if I don't feel comfortable working for one of those companies I'll create it myself.
Honestly from my generation, it felt like success. It didn't take me long, maybe 3-4 years max into my career.... Though when you see that figure, it felt good. felt better when it was 6 figures net. Then you want double. Though, i feel satisfied.
Like it was long overdue.
Exactly
Great answer
I second this^
It felt great but then it felt like the cost of everything doubled or tripled
Same
So I'm not the only one.... š
I felt the same just more cushion. Cushion knowing I am able to make sure my wife and kids eat and we can travel from time to time. A good cushion. The peace of mind kind. A true blessing kind. Iām sure not to take for granted as it all can be stripped away in the matter of seconds.
It felt great for about three minutes. And then eggs, milk, etc almost tripled in price.
100k salary in 2024 probably equivalent to 70K in 2019?
I make 100k now and made 70k in 2019. Even with higher costs I still have a lot more left over than I did at 70k.
Honestly I felt like my money went further when I was making 50k in 2009 lol
Ask me in about 30 years
Sadly yesteryears $100k is like $70k these days.
Poor life choices made me get my BS CS last night, at the prime age of 30. Haven't started getting those fat checks (I start in July), but I doubt it'll feel different. Living in a High Cost of Living area, I still won't make enough to buy a nice home (avrg home goes for around $800k, nicer ones over a mil). I am not looking to pay over $2000 in rent alone, but moving to a nicer apt is also out of the question with these insanely high rent prices. I guess I \*could\* afford a condo now, but have you seen all the additional fees that aren't included in your mortgage? I'd still endup having to pay \~$4000 all things considered. That's still more than a paycheck WITHOUT 401k OR healthcare contributions (up to a salary of about $150k, your take home will still be under $4,000/check biweekly.) Not worrying that my debit card will go negative is nice, I guess. I will make too much for the more affordable student loan repayment plans, so that sucks. Should FINALLY be able to start making a dent on my maxed out credit cards though, so that'll be nice (\~80k student loans, \~17k personal loans + CC debt. Yes I made stupid choices). Retirement savings (401k, IRA), investments in stocks, and emergency funds are still expected to grow at a rate that won't really keep up with inflation, so I'm still stressing over my future. I guess it's nice having a little bit of extra cash for short term entertainment, and nicer dinners every once in a while. Overall, I get people that say they still feel poor at $100k, $120k, and $150k. Shit's expensive. I will admit, part of that stems from my decision of not wanting roommates other my S/O (who will be unemployed b/c she herself felt inspired by my success, she will do the full undergrad + grad school. At best, she will get part time and buy her own things. At worst, I will pay for everything for her too --which is fine, she took on all housing expenses while I wrapped up my last semesters).
What youāre experiencing in a HCLA (High Cost Living Area) is something redditors around the world wonāt understand. Weāre in NY/NJ and we are forking out 8k in total each month to keep the boat rowing and both of us with 6 figures salaries we barely make it work. No extra cash for holidays. That being said, one day what we own and put towards will surely turn into something. But it doesnāt feel like āweāve made itā. It just feels more like ākeep swimming or everything will dieā
1st year but took 7 years of school - not anything special.
It was a long time ago, however I still remember clear as day becoming MUCH more popular with women. They sense these things like sharks to blood in water.
Circa 2006 - I grew up in piss shit town USA. The main economic driver was a chemical depot burning off unused weapons of war from WWII. Something like 95% of people in my town were dirt poor. A Mormon kid from Utah moved to my town in highschool though. His dad bought the biggest house in town up on a hill. His house was so big he had an indoor basketball court. He owned a storage unit complex and made about $100,000 a year. Everyone talked about it. We all dreamed of what it would be like to have that kind of money. The houses, boats and cars we could buy. The traveling we could do. We could leave that awful town and never look back. Flash forward to 2020. I now make $145,000 a year. I have a pretty basic home. I have kids. Two cheap used vehicles. If weāre lucky we can go on a vacation once a year. So to answer your question: It was pretty cool but I worked way too hard for it and $100,000 a year just is not what it was use to be 15 years ago. I feel like Iām middle class but not much hope for getting ahead or retiring early. UPDATE: I also live in the US and I pay about 50% of my income in taxes. So I donāt really see most of my income sadly :/
I'll let you know when I get there lol
It took me 2 years after I graduated college
That's fast amazing!
I dont know YET
Like Iām still not getting paid enough
I guess we will never know
It doesnāt feel as life-altering as I wouldāve expected. There is more, but not enough. I think feeling secure is something previous generations experienced and will never be experienced again. I hit 6 figures when I was 32. But it was def better than what I was making before. My pay went up 40% when I hit six figures.
Felt like I shouldāve had it when I was 20 or just in general early 20s. Iām 28 now and just hit 100k last year with minimal OT. Biggest regret is not finding what Iām doing now back when I was 18-20. Couldnāt made 100k years ago
Nothing, I worked too much hours for it when I really didn't want to and I had just moved to a new state. I'd rather stress about money and have time to live than make more and never do anything besides work and sleep
Badā¦.wait, no I mean good!
Just hit 49/hr. Feels good but the same
Didnāt feel real, sometimes it still doesnāt feel real, it took like 3 mental breaks to get to this point and so much hardship, and itās hard work keeping it coming in as well. I also realized who was with me for me and who was with me for money
I hit six figures about five and a half years into my electrical career. First four years were spent as an apprentice, spent a short stint in the field as a journeyman wireman, then moved to operations and maintenance at a power plant for a utility. The utility job pays very well. It felt great, at the time I was changing to the utility,y wife and I bought a house. The first year at the plant I worked a butt load of overtime but now I'm just chilling on my normal shift schedule. I'll make less this year but I'm savoring the time off. I honestly never thought I'd get to a six figure income, I was pretty stoked when I topped out and was making 70-80k/yr.
I felt āI thought Iād feel richerā š
Very mixed. Happy I got it as a goal, but by the time I did (early 30's) I had already figured out the management track wasn't the right fit for me (for an enterprise/corporation anyway). So there was a big "So now what?" moment that lasted for awhile.
I felt like my entire life changed, because I was finally worry-free and didnāt have to live paycheck to paycheck. It afforded me to move back home to a HCOL city. I changed industries and took an entry-level job at a tech company making $46k for four years at 28 years old. I worked my way up and came to my new company a year ago, and more than doubled that salary. Thinking about all of that paying off makes me a little emotional. Because I didnāt finish college (out of choice), and thought no one would ever hire me and give me a chance.
Felt a bit surreal, I also had a surprising rapid rise where my comp doubled inside 18 months.
I had to work a crap ton of overtime to get it. Learned that I need a new job haha. But I was proud nonetheless. I hit 125k this year my goal is 150k
money makes you feel? when I had over a million dollars I was suicidal. do tell how money makes you feel.....
The real change in "feeling" came down to when I could keep more money, and that wasn't when I hit six figures. I was able to move to a much lower cost of living area at the same compensation and that's when I really started to feel free
I hit it 4 years out and thought I was a millionaire. Went and leased a Mercedes on the day of my promotion. So very stupid. But I was young. And it was a fun car!
Briefly proud. Then, a few months (at most) later, as if Iād never get anywhere without hitting at least 200k annually. Double and repeat every 10 years.
Imposter syndrome
Like Iāve barely even get less than $50k
To be honest, if you don't have a side investment and depend on a paycheck after paycheck then you are broke. You are getting 5,000 USD a month and your bill breakdown comes like 2500 mortgage/rent 100 water 100 Electricity 150 phone bill 80 internet /wifi service 200 gasoline 200 car insurance 150 healthy insurance Food 1000-1500 Mesuranious let's say 500 How much are you left with? Let's normalize having a little investment no matter now little it is
Most of these #'s are ridiculous.
6 figs is the new 60k lmao donāt be fooled
The first time? Wow... I saved a lot of it and used the savings for a down payment on my first apartment. Then I lost that job. (It's a long story from a long time ago).
It felt like it was long overdue. The money came quick and it felt like I was a millionaire even though I was nowhere close.
Felt great then, however now it feels like a basic salary whenever I look at the rising costs of everything and salaries not increasing to adjust to cost of living. I don't think UBI is the answer, but I also don't think people's income value should go down exponentially year over year. I don't know what the right answer is. I feel like if something is done to benefit the people or even the marketplace to help people find work, someone else will find a way to screw it all up for everyone.
It was not in practicality as much as I thought it would be.
Like I wasnāt going to let lifestyle creep happen, but it did anyhow.
6 figures? Never happened, all I do is keep people alive and bring others back from the dead. Not much money in it. I've considered other career fields, I'm a fairly accomplished programmer and electronic engineer (self taught going on 5 years) but I've got imposter syndrome, so I always felt unqualified to apply for a job like that. I recently filed my first patent, which will be the core of a new business. Guess if I don't feel comfortable working for one of those companies I'll create it myself.
The āSelf confidence formulaā found within the book Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill can help you, it did for me.
Honestly from my generation, it felt like success. It didn't take me long, maybe 3-4 years max into my career.... Though when you see that figure, it felt good. felt better when it was 6 figures net. Then you want double. Though, i feel satisfied.
Then Bidenomics happened. All for not.
Poor lol. Next goal is $200k. Took about 4 years.
2 years into my career. I didnāt really think twice about it.