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I hate that fucking question. Like my compensation is really that interesting or any of your business…
Sounds harsh, right? Most of the time, when people bring up this topic I try my best to laugh it off. “Enough, I suppose,” or: “Much more than you think” is another killer answer.
Reality is, if you ask someone that question out of general interest, I think it’s fair. For instance, if someone is thinking about entering the same field as you, then I do feel it is your duty to guide them towards realistic goals. If you’re asking because you want a slice and think that I can provide it for you, then suck it (Kathy Griffin!). Find someone who’s desperate enough, and needs a sidekick.
Sorry if this sounds a bit rant-ish, but has this ever happened to you before? Is it so wrong to hold parts of your life off from others? Friends? Families? … Lovers?
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- Tags: compensation, knowledge, money
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Stephen
March 27th, 2009 at 11:41 am
That’s a tough one Jonny. I don’t think it’s wrong to withold that type of information, or give a really ball-park figure. Personally, I find that I don’t like to tell people that I don’t know very well; I think it’s kinda tacky. Only a couple of my close friends, my parents, my banker, and my boyfriend know how much I earn. And that’s another topic that I’m sure there are differing opinions: when do you tell someone that you’re dating how much you make (if ever?)
Jared
March 27th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I don’t think it’s anyone’s business to know how much you make, even your family. I do however believe the exception to that is your spouse who you see yourself being together longterm because you’re eventually going to share your life and build a home together and money is very important to be open about (proven by the disgusting divorce rates in north america). I personally don’t care telling people how much I make, but that being said I’m not a millionaire or anything. That being said, I do agree with you if people are just curious to get a slice, then turn the other way lol.
Jason C-K
March 27th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I was always raised to believe that talking about money (either how much you make, or how much others make) is tacky.
Jason C-K
March 27th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Ooh, and re: the “when does your significant other get to know how much you make?” question… I’d say when and if it gets to the point that you live together, for practical financial reasons.
Colin
March 27th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
We’ve all been brought up to feel like talking about our income is not kosher, especially if we make “a lot”. But as a result, no one ever talks about money – which is why most people have ended up in the situation they are now. Why should we feel embarassed about what we make, high or low? What is embarassing is living way beyond our means and racking up debt :)
Jared
March 27th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
This may be straying a bit from Jonny’s question, but I think it’s important to keep in mind that talking about money can cause a lot of jealousy. That’s why a big rule in the corporate world is to not talk about how much one makes. Even friends and family get jealous, its natural. As Jason posted, if you’re living with a spouse, talking about money is good for practical reasons. But hey, if people don’t mind talking about it I ain’t judging :)
Artem
March 28th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
You’re right, talking about money is tacky. Asking someone else how much they make without a legitimate life or business reason is even more so, it’s down right rude. Yet almost everybody does it, even (and especially) some people who claim to understand how tacky this really is… Happened to me more than once.
My profession is particularly susceptible to this. Everyone wonders how much we make, and invariably, whatever figure we disclose people always think it’s “too much” and that we somehow owe them something. This attitude is so pervasive that at one point I even began to believe it myself. Until I did my accounting and figured out how much it costs to run a successful business, deliver excellent service and still be able to eat at the end of the day.
As to the question of whether and when to tell someone. I’ve tried various approaches, from non-disclosure to complete transparency with people and both have their benefits and drawbacks. I think you just need to be selective. In retrospect, telling people how much I make has been a great way to see them for who they really are and whether I want to keep them around, based on their reactions.
bruin
August 27th, 2009 at 12:53 am
i think no matter how you answer the question youre going be judged in some way, esp here in california (but im sure it’s universal). if it’s too low ppl judge you. if it’s too high ppl judge you. . and ppl become your friends for the wrong reasons.
i agree with you jonny, just make the standardized response like “wouldnt you like to know” and laugh it off etc….
and plus google has all types of salaries for diff jobs. dont know why ppl ask :[ just google!