Hey you're already at the US median so you're doing better than half of the whole country! Comparison is the thief of joy, congrats on this achievement esp without a degree and broad experience, and here's to what's next for you!

Man you’re doing fine! Please do not put your happiness on a number. It’s hard but try to be happy about more important things like family, health and don’t get into the mindset of feeling like you should be at a specific spot in life. So much changes over time. You are not even 40 yet you don’t need to even have everything figured out allow yourself to relax.

Logic still stands does it not ? 😂 I changed it to 40

You have a roof over your head a full belly and family that loves you. You’re doing fine this is just life. Two options at this point in life A - go to college b - marry rich it’s not too late

You're wasting a lot of time trying to hook yourself to someone else's star. You live with your parents, you "budget every penny", yet you can't live on $55K ?? I raised two children as a single parent on a LOT less than $55K. Your budgeting skills need a refresher. And your money is going somewhere, obviously, as you say your savings are a "joke". You're not being honest with yourself about where your money is disappearing to. And you're right - you will forever be "behind" some people, but you shouldn't be setting your expectations on what others set their expectations on.

You’re doing fine. Someone making 100k has to pay 15-20k in taxes. The larger figures don’t do that much, especially if they don’t budget like you do. They’re worst off if they don’t think every penny has a voice. When I was young, i worked under portfolio managers. It was always the frugal hard working trades people making the most money long term. While you may be behind, your benchmark should be your situation, happiness, financials from a year ago. When everyone’s dying off or getting divorced, all of this won’t matter.

I’m on 95k and I’m struggling the same as when I was making 55k 6-7 years ago. Inflation really got ugly and I think everyone here saying 55k isn’t that bad is fooling themself. Especially now when McDonalds pays almost 20 dollars an hour

I mean if you’re still living with your parents. You should have so much money saved up. Are you helping them pay their mortgage? If not save all the money you can with your current salary then make bigger moves.

This is from a couple of years ago before all the crazy inflation set in but I read a study once where people's happiness peaked around 75k - basically the conclusion of the study was that as people made more money they tended to spend more time on the job, have more responsibilities, etc. and weren't any happier despite their six figure salaries. We tend to measure ourselves through work in this country when comparing ourselves to others but there's a lot more to life than how much money somebody makes.

You can always pivot to another career path. Administration usually isn’t a high warning path.

It’s not a race. If you want better make a plan. You can go to school or seek out other opportunities the choice is yours.

I know many making less than 55k. Staying at your parents’ house isn’t even a bad thing. It has such a stigma but it’s the easiest way to save and budget, honestly. And you’re not homeless so that’s a huge plus.

I used to do the same thing and compare myself to others. What I’ve learned is life isn’t a race. There is always going to be someone better than you, and you better than someone. You’re doing a great job and should be proud of where you’re at. Keep going! 😊

Hi, it's on you to think about, if you will be in the same position in the next 1, 3, or 5 years or not. Just focus and search optimistically for new information. Work hard without paying attention to distractions. Then you can change what you want and be where you want. Take care.

Are you happy? If you were to look at your life without comparing it to others, are you happy? Plus, there are always side gigs if you want to earn more money- do something you like doing.

If you enjoy what you do that is number one! Money is not everything. I have a neighbour who is all about money. It has never been on my radar. I have been an EA since I was 19. I have worked for 4 companies. I moved because I wanted to meet new people and have new challenges not because of money. As long as you are satisfied and enjoy what you do that is number 1.

Good for you! I’m planned on applying to dental school, got my BA and went through a post bac premed program, dental prep course, got an autoimmune disease so had to change career paths.. obtained my MPH, not looking at jobs offering 40k 😅 I made more at 19 as a dental assistant ($25/hr). Mind you, im about to be 34 and in 6 figures worth of debt. Give yourself a pat on the back, things could be worse!

I will say this…even if you make above average, enough to have a roof, doing better than the majority, etc…what you’re feeling is completely valid and it’s okay to be upset by things. Even if we logically know the statistics lol. One of the biggest ways we bring ourselves down is by comparing! Keep your head up!

I only clear about 32,000

Try being 50 with 3 degrees and unable to find work, even at the median wage level. Ageism is real and a lifetime of experience won’t help, so be proud you are young and employed. Congrats!