Salary Insecurity

Google's main campus is the old SGI building. It's definitely on the nicer end of the cubical continuum.

WTF people actually ask about or comment on your salary? I've been working for five years and never once have I been asked what I'm earning, or even had it commented upon. I'd kind of assumed it was a big social faux-pas.

in the UK this question is weird for two reasons: what matt said and also public sector pensions/package piss all over private.

I don't get this either - people I know who work in public sector/NGO earn way more than I do!

xxpost What Matt DC said. Then again, I once asked my Japanes friend what her husband did for a living and she said that was a terrible faux-pas. WAH? I was rather shocked when she threw me that reply in the face. But she did say what he did but added that many people looked down upon said job and that I never should say "salary man." Uh, I didn't and would never.

Public sector pension is extremely good in Belgium as well, but the salary itself is lousy - depending on what you do, it can be +20 procent less than in a private sector. Then again you really have to fuck up to be thrown out (so it has been said, wouldn't know myself) so once you're "in"...

You probably have better benefits and more job security than them, so you can also throw that in their faces and say "nyah"

So OTM. That's the reason I'm so jealous of people in public service. That and a clearer decision making process (though I'm probably wrong about this). Also, no shareholders having a say!

Also Matt is right, who the fuck outside of an Easton Ellis novel actually asks this!?

I've always earned pitiful money in the public sector in W. Aust. I don't think anyone's ever mentioned it to me... I suspect they just took it for granted that that was par for the course and how I would live my life, being poor kind of suits me. Mwahaha I'm moving to a boutique commercial litigation firm in Feb and then I'll be raking it in so maybe they were wrong. I'll probably spend it all on books about vegetable gardening so eh. Why would you give a shit about what other people think of your pay anyway? What kind of person asks you something like that? I wouldn't have the foggiest what any of my mates earn

a clearer decision making process

I'm confused. A clearer decision making process in the public sector?!?

haha indeed. no shareholders but numerous 'stakeholders'.

i think people ask, i have asked and been asked on occasion and not thought it weird. i have only done so if appropriate to conversation or it has some kind of relevancy though (or they do something interesting and i am interested)

stuff like this thread is making me revise my opinion on that though

Well, my family is asking because (perhaps) they are afraid I will remain dependent upon them forever. Extended family/neighbors are asking because they have no tact/they are curious/are interested in the "cost of living" index. Extended family/neighbors are not asking for an exact number--but are asking questions in a leading way about what my "quality of life" will be. Also, throw into the mix that I am moving to NYC, which certain people feel to be improbably expensive, not taking into consideration outer-borough living. This is also a problem in the library world--I've had conversations with classmates who want to work as corporate or academic librarians and they state that money is a major motivating factor in their decision (which is fine for them, but I feel in turn they are questioning/rubbishing my decision). Also, at my internship at an academic library everyone stated how much better the money is in academic and how much I would struggle if I moved to NYC. And, it's really not that much better, as far as I can tell. Maybe I am too sensitive. But they are the ones who are always bringing up money!

Where do you live now? NYC could be freaking them out more than your actual job.

i don't think it's too unusual for family to ask, specially if they're funding you. close friends too, why not? otherwise, the english put a big taboo on talking about it, but it's kind of silly coz it's pretty obvious when someone has money and when they don't.

I live in Northern Virginia, though I've lived in NYC before. Yeah, it's the NYC/librarian combo that seems to be doing people's heads in.

sounds scrumptious

I researched a response: "If you will forgive me for not answering that question, I will forgive you for asking it."

Gah, all of my coworkers are asking me how the salary is adjusted for "cost of living." Is there anything I can say, besides, it's not, really.

Just lie through your teeth and say "really really well" and make them green w/ envy. Are you going to be seeing them after you move away and start your fantastic new job and fantastic new life?

Just mention to them that cost of living in Queens is lower than it is in NoVa.

^^^ think thats your answer, right there

hypothetically speaking, what is the minimum salary you would demand to work at a college of dentistry, if you were deathly afraid of dentist?

I keep reading this as Salad Insecurity.

maybe if you made more money you could afford GOOD cucumbers

Just iceberg lettuce. . .so sad.

i have to used my neighbor's grass in my salads but damnit i like my job.

my ex used to use caramelized pecans and make the dressing from scratch you worthless little man

<i>hypothetically speaking, what is the minimum salary you would demand to work at a college of dentistry, if you were deathly afraid of dentist?</i>

If free work by dental students was included, could end up saving a lot in dental bills.

Thanks everyone. I feel less insecure about my salary now. Hopefully from now on I can focus my insecurities on more meaningful targets.

i want a post-war cornucopia. a big horn o'plenty with guns and ammo and knives and bombs and shit.

i don't understand this thread, given that you've already lived here under much less stable conditions.