What do you Make?

Mon 28 Apr 2008 – 8.50

Most of you know that I’m a huge fan of the 21st century — I love the fact the old standards which governed our parents and grandparents are out the window. Gone are the days of suit-and-ties and corporate songs, our workforce is ever-shifting and change is the only constant.

Much like working in jeans, the new trend is talking openly about salary … with friends. A new article from the New York Times highlights how young workers the salary of their friends just as they know birthdays and the names of spouses.

While salaries may be disclosed casually among friends, that doesn’t mean most young professionals brag about their incomes at a cocktail party. There is still an etiquette to sharing the information — a proper way to divulge.

Yea, of course. I’m only so comfortable talking about salary, even with my close friends. My rule is that I would never ask or tell a friend unless I’ve seen him in his underwear — that’s a good barometer of our friendship. [Bonetti being a notable exception, although we did work as lifeguards for all those years]. And I wouldn’t mind discussing salaries with someone older like a mentor or my parents.

You know what’s funny, if someone asked me what I made right now, I would tell them. But if I somehow got a better job or a raise, I’d be reluctant to tell them. For some reason, I’d like to leave the illusion that I live frugal — that way I can bust out the “I have $40,000 in the bank” card if I ever need it.

posted by Scott in careers, personal finance.

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