What salary would satisfy you?

I know that money is a touchy subject around these parts, as it probably is in most journalism circles. We tend to look down on people who make high salaries, with the idea that they've sold their soul for material wealth while we, in the meantime, are pursuing something noble and living within our means to compensate.

That being said ... wondering what everyone's idea of a comfortable, acceptable long-term salary would be (assuming a raise to keep pace with inflation every year - which, of course, you shouldn't assume in our current business)?

I'm looking to start a family soon, and my wife and I are constantly stressed about the low wages of this profession, and the lack of opportunities due to the current climate.

So I'm thinking ... at $60,000 a year, I would be happy as hell. I know I may get shouted down for throwing out such a high number, and proving how materialistic I am. But I would like to take a vacation without it breaking the bank. Or play a round of golf without it draining my spending money for the next two weeks. Or send my children to good schools debt-free if that's what they want to do.

Thoughts?

Or is everyone happy with where they're at? Am I shallow?

 

It depends. I'm fortunate not to have any car payments or student debt, so my current 40K seems like a fortune to me. So, I guess 40K is satisfying. (BTW, my wife works and makes an equal amount, so you have to factor that in as well.)

 

Wife and I both make around $40K, BTW. One car payment. Lengthy commutes (30-plus miles apiece).

 

No one -- other than that disgustingly upbeat puppy person -- is happy with what they make. They always want more, more, more.

Personally, I'd be happy to make enough to get out of debt and stay out. Maybe hitting the lotto will do it.

 

Naturally, this all depends on where you live.

If I was in NYC, I'd say $1 million. Out in flyover country, I'd take my age multiplied by $12,500. When I was 30, I'd have been overjoyed at $37,500. When I'm 50, I'd be satisfied with $62,500.

 

I'm with Ace. As long as I can pull myself out of debt and stay out, while making a few more dollars, I'll be happy.

 

It would be nice to be wealthy so I could be sloth-like, but I'm not at that point -- yet.

 

100 MILLION DOLLARS!{dr. evil}

 

A-Rod's.

 

Beckham's.

 

Better check your math, Inky. 30 x $12,500 is $375,000.

I'd like $200 K a year (combined at about $85K right now). Enough to pay my bills, college savings plan for the kid, really fund retirement accounts, and have something left over for a few trips.

And that amount, of course, is a fantasy.

 

Methinks he meant $1,250.