Genuine question for highly paid fish: Are you happy with your life? What are the negative aspects that come with the high salary?

I see a lot of people making $300k-500k+/yr and curious to hear some unfiltered opinions about how your life is going. I know sometimes I think it would be nice to be making bank but I imagine there are things which come with the territory that I don’t consider.

(Including your salary would be helpful.)

likesmarthelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

My life style hasn't changed much, but I am happy that my income has enabled me to help others more easily. I currently support the college education of 13 orphans.

likeupliftinghelpfulfunny

😂😂😂

likesmartfunny

I am a happy partner at 35. My income is solid.

I have no concerns about money, and as a result can be generous. I'm happy with the choices I've made and have a fulfilling life. However, I have exceptionally limited discretionary time.

I spend a good chunk of time working, spend evenings with my young kids (we have 4), and when they're asleep I am often getting more work done. I usually find time 5 or 6 times a week for a run, and am on the board of directors for my church. I have an amazing spouse who stays home with the family and makes sure our house stays intact.

After all this, I'm done. I don't get any time to play games (civilization is.. Was. A hobby). If something interesting comes up, I likely can't pursue it. And, I watch next to no tv or sports or pop culture.

All in all, I'm happy and wouldn't give up the list above. But, I would love the chance to breathe occasionally!

likehelpfulupliftingsmart

Wow, you're living the dream

like
Recent IconRecent

50k at age 30. Wtf am i doing with my life?!

likefunnyupliftingsmart

VP, I assume that everyone is giving pre tax income if for no other reason than we all live other places so it is hard to discuss post tax

likehelpful

I’m just trying to know how to get my salary to over 100k....

likefunnyuplifting

I’m getting goosebumps coming back here to update that I did move just over a year ago and making double what I was before omg!!!

likehelpful

32 and at ~350k; i like that i never need to check about costs (eg buying organic). I could do with a little less stress :)

likeupliftinghelpful

EYP first year Manager at $200k base, ~10% bonus. I would think Big4 SM’s could be in the $350k range, particularly the more senior SM’s in consulting arms.

EY11 - you in Restructuring or Growth? $55k bonus is solid!

like

I am happy I don’t have financial stress when it comes to spending. I never have to worry if gas prices go up or if the flights are a little pricey. Still value the cost of a dollar though. But if things ever become panic mode, I can afford it.

I pull in 250 as a 25 year old w no other obligations besides myself and my pup (10-15k a year). Able to max 401 and Roth IRA each year. Spend on what I want while saving enough.

Issue down the road will be managing the money - I want to get into real estate. Right now everything in the market and it grows but gives me a headache some days. As they say, mo money mo problems

likesmarthelpful

Im finding this hard to believe. 250 a year. And what exactly is your position? I work as a medical provider and have done so in the past for a few companies and i have never touched 250 a year. What exactly us your take home gross salary (adding the who benefits thing throws everything off. Ucsd typically and kaiser have a good retirement but what i want to know is what your take home to expect.)

like

My SO makes ~300 in big law and is stressed beyond belief. Hoping she quits soon to take a lower paying job with less stress. Note: we don’t have debt (besides a mortgage) so it’s an easier decision to make for us.

like

Which LOS^

like

The more you make the more the job is 24/7. More money means more headaches.

likefunny

Definitely not universally true.

like

Before I had the job I have, I thought there was no way that execs could earn the comp they make.

Now that I do my job (CLO at a F500 growth Co), I feel fairly, but not over, compensated.

I am more fulfilled in my work than I’ve ever been, I also carry more stress than I ever thought I could and feel an enormous weight of some of the decisions I take. I am empathetic and I genuinely love my executive team and my department. I feel privileged to get to do what I do. The amount of empathy I carry makes my job harder... I also know it makes me better at my job.

I am happy, but also extremely stressed, I love my job, but wish I had more time with my son. I’m a single parent & I couldn’t do what I do without a lot of help - are you hearing a dichotomy?

According to my W2 I made 2.9m doing my job last year. I’m 42.

likeupliftinghelpful

CLO1 you sound like someone I'd want to be friends with

like

It’s hard to have a low salary (but typically less stress). It’s hard to have a stressful job (but typically high paying). Pick your hard.
I recently took a small pay cut for better WLB (190k salary plus bonus to $175k salary plus bonus). I’ve decided to exit the rat race and $175k is enough for me to have a fulfilling career that also gives me my weekends back and no more late nights. I feel very fortunate.

likesmart

The most stressed I have ever been at work was in food service making $7.25 an hour

like

Pre-MBA, I pulled ~300-350 working in PE. Super unhappy and hated life, but did make enough money to pay for business school, which I’m now in.

One unfortunate thing from a career perspective was that I’m not so sure working in PE was worth it, given that it didn’t help advance my career since PE was a temporary detour (not interested in PE in the long term)

like

What did you do before PE?

like

Given where I was financially when I started consulting at 26, I do feel significantly better now that I make ~350k at 37. I’m no longer stressed about eating out, holidays, daycare, household repairs, needing to financially help a relative/ friend etc.The peace of mind that a decent salary/savings brings you goes a long way in allowing you to enjoy the time that you don’t spend at work.

like

I'm also curious how you moved into consulting. I'm approaching 30 and $150k isn't cutting it for my growing family

like

I’m 34 and a VP at a media agency making $200. I’ve been a VP for years because I’m terrified of the mental anguish and stress of SVP level, a role which I could’ve gotten a while ago if I had wanted it. (SVP = $250+) It’s probably not as stressful as I make it out to be in my brain but point is: I feel you OP. I feel like maybe I’ve reached my money:sanity threshold.

likesmarthelpfulfunny

I should add that I’m very happy with the balance of my role and salary. I have autonomy and agency so I feel in control over my schedule and work/life balance for the most part—hence my unwillingness to change titles.

like

Making over 1m. I’m quite happy generally but of course it’s stressful to keep up with sales targets and internal politics and so on. Lots of frustrating things about day to day life don’t go away although at least now I don’t need to worry about cooking, cleaning, laundry, staying in nice hotels and eating at nice restaurants etc.

Honestly the upsides way outweigh the downsides.

like

Haha nope. Not even close.

I mean even at first glance that doesn’t make sense. How long would it take you to save 2x your annual salary? ~10 years right? Why would you think it’d be different for partners?

like

The benefits of making a decent living (north of top 1% in NY) is of course the financial freedom that my family enjoys, and the ability to have my wife stay home to raise our kids. But the downside is I am effective on-call 7 days a week (was just on a hour long call with a client bc he wanted to discuss markets and his portfolio on a Sunday afternoon). I do enjoy what I do and my current job gives me the flexibility to see my family more than previous ones. Life has been kind to me and I consider myself quite lucky.

likehelpful

This is a fascinating convo and raises a larger point. The current crusade for equality (race gender, orientation, religion, etc...) is such an important one. Imo, the issue is we’re at the point where egregious prejudice is rejected by society (a good thing!) and we are now fighting for subtler progress, systematic issues, subconscious attitudes etc... the problem is making regular people conscious of these subtler points and broadening all of our perspectives. ASM1’s aggressive, brute force approach, imo, is unproductive as it pushes people away, makes them defensive, and inhibits her credibility. I think it is good to point out issues with language that imply certain attitudes but let’s do so in a more respectful and open-minded way ourselves, no? While we have some info based on language used, we absolutely don’t know USB1’s attitudes from a handful of posts. Again, let’s point out and educate without taking such a know-everything aggressive approach...

like

I thought I was happy making 400k at 40, but actually I'm happier making 160k at 50 with less pressure and more time.

like

AM1 housing is absolutely crazy here, that is for sure. But we live outside of Wellington, in the wine country and I can take the train in to the CBD (central business district) when I need to (like today - I'm typing on the train ride home).

C4 we also considered Canada and Estonia. Don't have ties to any if those countries either but they had a lot of things we were looking for. New Zealand just materialized faster.

Our 3 older kids are all over - 1 in the US, 1 in Denmark and 1 in Barbados. The one in Barbados is doing grad school research and decided to stay put for the pandemic and will come here after he finishes up.

Highly paid ($210k) as a single male, but also heavily in debt. Working on it but it’s a slow process to get out of.

I’m incredibly happy with life, but the financial constraints I have do put a damper on things. I’d say it has slightly gotten better due to COVID and the fact that I can’t go anywhere and consequently I’m able to save a bit more while also paying off my debt.

I expect to be in a better financial state in 1-1.5 years.

likesmart

Are you able to share what debts? Is it primarily school loans?

like

$325k salary; $100k+ in bonuses.

Happy? Hardly. Currently on vacation and wracked with guilt for not working. Coming from humble upbringings, it is hard to justify earning this much when I see others also working 16hr days and given an hourly wage. The guilt can be crippling. As can be the incessant work and feeling like I'm not doing enough. There is no real down time, and often no intrinsic satisfaction if I can't tie it back to "helping people" in some way.

likehelpfulfunny

Perhaps you should seek therapy? That might allow you to come to terms with how you feel

32 y/o, around 450k last year. Big law life is super stressful and very rarely any family time, which is crushing with small children. As others have said though, the upsides are pretty great. Never really have to stress about having nice vacations, donations or having good food. Would I trade 50% of my salary for a better lifestyle? 100%

like

Depends. Fluctuates between 40 and 90.

like

I think once you get to a certain income level, more money won’t necessarily increase your happiness (there’s a study on this). I am about $500k now and started to feel this way around $300-$350k. Even at $500k, we always want more and I have this sense that this rat race will never end unless I make a conscious decision and leave this industry. My happiness comes from outside of work and I’ve decided to take a pay cut to have more WBL. My hours aren’t so bad but I need less pressure so I can focus more on other aspects of my life. After spending 10 months not traveling, I don’t think I can travel frequently for work again.

like

And in a high COL city, amounts that seem really high elsewhere (and admittedly are a good living) don’t let you live like “rich” people. My life now isn’t significantly different than when I was making half my current salary, and wouldn’t dramatically change in terms of what I could afford house wise or schooling unless I doubled my current salary. That won’t happen. Knowing when you have enough is an important skill to have.

like

Related Posts

Any MBB / OW / SKP 🐠 here and willing to share post-MBA Consultant salary range? TIA!

like

Hi family law attorneys! I am a divorce attorney and founder of a legal tech startup, and we are looking for advisors (specifically family law attys) in the following states: NY, NJ, RI, PA, WA, FL. We would either pay your hourly rate for advice relating to your state laws, or offer free placement on our site that is presently growing rapidly. Please let me know if you may be interested in speaking further!

like

What should I expect when trying to exit into a more competitive (geographical) market?

My home office is in a developing country (think non-EU/US, G20), I’m looking at Biz Ops/PM roles in tech in Western Europe. How much should I expect to be able to leverage my consulting/McKinsey background in this context?

like

I will join Deloitte Hyderabad in Oct 22 as an Analyst - FPA with 1 year of experience. Can someone help me with the average fixed compensation?? They have offered 5.5 LPA fixed. I haven’t yet accepted their offer.

like

Fighting Salary Compression

I have 15+ years vesting in current company/ position, 25 years over all. I love my job!
But for the past 3 years I’m told that my yearly annual increases will be decreased due to reaching a salary ceiling. 2% rate increases barely kept pace with rate of living, especially after this years 8-12% inflation increase. Also, new employees are now being hired at a higher rate.

Anyone else experience this issue? How and what is the best course of action to address?

like

Took my first vacation (1 week) in over a year to visit family. Was bombarded by emails from one partner asking me to complete non-time sensitive motions, which he hasn’t even bothered to review. This is my third firm in three years (first I left as I was severely underpaid, second I left for a 100k increase in salary), but this lack of respect for my boundaries has made me want to move again once I’ve completed 18 mos. Bad? They don’t do this to the other associates (all male).

like

Hi everyone,

I have accepted an offer of 130k + 20% bonus and RSUs worth 150k.
Today, I got another offer from a startup of 160k base pay and stock options worth 440 k.

Has anyone negotiated an offer after accepting? I am supposed to join them next week.

Vesting period is 4 years with one year cliff and each quarter after a year.

like
like

Hi Folks, My Friend wants to switch from Tech Domain to Project Management . Is PMP Certification(1LPA)/Distance MBA(1.4LPA) good or my friend should go for proper MBA?

I’ve been with company for a little over 3 years as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. There’s been recent changes within Leadership that has caused everyone to leave, except myself. My workload has increased and I’ve taken on a bulk of the work as we rebuild our team. All recent hires on my team, same role as me, has been receiving a much higher salary. Of course the market has changed since I’ve been here however, the newbies are reaping the benefits of it. How should I request for a raise?

like

If your entire team went on strike and stopped showing up/doing work to get higher pay, better "conditions", etc. what would happen to you? Get fired? The firm acquiesces and fulfills your demands?

like

What does Chicago Tax Comp look like now days?

like
like

I have got an email from IBM regarding Compensation Discussion Documents after completing technical discussion. I've competed PDM discussion as well. Does this mail mean I'm shortlisted?

like

Hi fishes,
What are the benefits apart from salary in IQVIA?

If you refuse to share salary info with fellow women lawyers, especially while benefitting from them sharing with you, you’re part of the problem.

like

A great opportunity with a top brand has come up. I have not actively looked to make a move, but this role and brand looks really promising with a greater earning potential. Down side is I would need to relocate which I do not want to do and would be a challenge for my wife’s job . Any suggestions on how to leverage for a leveling of my current salary and role which I have been told is in the works but I have not seen any sort of movement to give me confidence that it will happen?

like

Any CT associates willing to share their firm’s salary scale?

like

What is the starting salary for EY ITS Associate in Detroit?

like

Hey guys,
I am a consultant (tech) at
EY India.
Completed two years. Want to move/shift to EY UK. How can I start with this process?
Whom to approach?
And please tell me what's the salary band for Consultants (tech) and the Interview process!
Thanks in Advance!EY

like

More Posts

Any guesses to what the plant with red stems is? Was labeled “mint” in my aerogarden kit but doesn’t taste/smell like it!

Separately, how do you get rid of aphids in a way that still makes the herbs safe to eat?

Post Photo
like

MS PROJECT: Any recommendations for an online/in-person (NYC) course for beginners? My company is willing to pay for it so let’s get this learning started! 😄

like

Anyone heard of Quinstreet?

funny

How to deal with insomnia? I average 4 hours of sleep a night and am always exhausted during work, but can't fall asleep! Do I just take melatonin forever?

Does anybody else read the shape of words and your brain guesses to fill it in, instead of reading the actual word?

like

Any opening for a Business Analyst with 5 YOE?

Thoughts on the Mercedes Benz A-Class commercial??

Got excited when I matched with this man! Unfortunately it’s not gonna work out between us. Don’t be discouraged single fish, sober partners are out there.

Post Photo
like

Hi fishes , I got an offers from At &t , UST global services , Jio, TechM, city group . How much I can expect from At &t for 6 YoE in DevOps & cloud . Please let me know

like

Any insight on pwc cloud and Intel automation practice?

Anyone know how to get added to the Tech bowl?

like

Has anyone just gave up and did an import manually? I’m trying to do an import from one org to another and it’s not pulling all records sigh!

like

How much do first year senior associates make in New York Financial Services? I’m a second year associate and wasn’t sure what to expect.

like

5 years sober this month ✨

likeuplifting

I have attended my first round of interview for EY today. When i can expect the call from HR if i cleared?

How do you deal with being on an engagement with people who are very simply not fun to work with? And not even just not fun but actually unengaging and/or irritating to work with. Starting to see how spoiled I was with first few managers and directors.

like

Hi all,
I have an year gap after my education due to searching for my job.
So for gap affidavit in TCS,Should we fill the form given in ibegin portal? If yes Is that enough?
Or
Should we get any stamp paper done for that?

i am joining on 17th oct with lti, will i be eligible for next april hike?

like

Does anyone have experience creating a NY LLC? Is it better to create one in Delaware if I’m NY based? Do you have to file anything annually? What if the LLC had no income?

like

Anyone have any insight on salary for a Sr. project Manager w/ Masters & PMP , 10 YOE in Financial industry can get at Citi or Discover? I have interviews with both coming up and not sure the most I can get. Located in Florida

like

Additional Posts in The Work-Life Bowl

I am looking to start an online shop with jewelry and traditional goods from my home country. Does anyone have experience with this or could point me where to start or what resources to look into? I have no experience with shops or e-commerce. I’ve just discovered many local artists and jewellers in my travels and I’d like to bring products to a wider market.

like

Has anyone braved the gym since it reopened out here in SoCal? What are your experiences so far? Currently have LA Fitness since I don’t need much from my gym. But open to upgrade to Equinox if it’s safer/more sanitary.

like

Is it just me feeling this way or does anyone else feel people are being incredibly selfish? I went for a drive and saw a bunch of people outside eating at restaurants and walking outside with no masks on and not just not giving a fck

likefunny

Is 25 mbps slow for internet?

like

Looking for something to read as the weather gets cold? Follow @lonslibrary on instagram for book recommendations and reviews! I recently started the account to track books I think are worth recommending to people

like

pros/cons of getting a top secret? currently have a secret and have the opportunity to get one but idk if I'll be pigeonholing myself as "the data science guy with a ts" if that makes sense

like

My job just scheduled a large happy hour/meet and greet for June 2... are we really going to be able to gather like that so soon? Feel like that’s a bad idea.

like

Why are guys so mean when they are cold? I had a cold right before my boyfriend and I was patient and appreciative of what he did. Then he had it and I recovered, he became so impatient, cold, ...

like

Spent my first day of PTO trying to get a PS5. In the end I emerged triumphant!

like
like

Constantly resisting the urge to quit

like

What’s everyone drinking right now?

like

Anyone play pokemon unite?

like

Is it worth getting tested for covid without any physical symptoms? I just wanna be sure.

likefunny

Hi I’m new here. I’m currently in banking and is looking to venture into compliance. I’m excited to connect and learn! Any advice is welcomed.

like

Any fishes in here have resources for kids that have ASD?
My kindergartner has ASD but really only manifests in heightened emotional states (anger) I’m looking for resources for me/spouse to develop the tools to help. (If there is a bowl this is more appropriate for let me know, didn’t see one in my admittantly short search)

like

Best way to ship someone liquor as a gift?

NFL season is here! Anyone know a legal way to watching all my games this year from home since the bars will be unlikely this year? Looking to compare options and prices.

like

Anyone ever buy the Westin pillows? I really miss them and need new king size pillows at home.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal