1. I expected some of these careers/jobs to be paid more.
2. I’ve personally hit this mark myself as well, but I thought I would be better off financially or more comfortable.

Although the article reads generically and offers a mean hourly wage for the career and most likely a median salary as well, it got me thinking.  In a certain sense, I felt proud that I hit this point in my career, basically doubling my salary since graduating college; but I also felt disappointed and a bit let down.

Perhaps I need to be better at financing or realize I can do more with less and control my spending.  However, I don’t believe I am a big spender or impulse buyer.  Heck, both my cars are paid off in full.  Perhaps, groceries and eating out is costing much more than I think.  I completely cut out my night life routines so there is no spending at clubs, bars, etc.  In honesty, I thought I would be much more comfortable such as having more in savings, being able to afford a vacation out of States like go on a cruise or to some tropical destination.  I would think I could afford to lease or buy a nice automobile like a BMW or Lexus.  Even to have some cash to invest in a stock portfolio as well.

Sure there are some things missing from my life but then again, the same can be said of others as well.  I also watch others and see their career progress, whether I know them or not.  I find it strikingly hard to believe the type of cars some drive and homes they rent and living lavishly.  I wonder how much credit card debt or just overall debt period do they owe.  Another one is exactly how much expenses do they have?  I am fairly certain we share similar expenses and income. Unless we all secretly have a second job to help pay such luxuries I witness from them or they are extraordinarily lucky to have rich relatives that help support them as well.

Perhaps life is credit; or so it seems.  Every business operates on credit and good faith that they will eventually generate enough revenue to pay back what they owe and profit a little.  So I guess it should be alright to owe $40,000 to drive a BMW because I need to project a particular type of image in order to operate my business, right?  Whether my business is a real estate agent, a wannabe actor, an aspiring musican artist, etc.  Perhaps…

In the end, I will choose the path to control my expenses with a clear budget and set financial goals one step at a time.  Whether it be for retirement, for a vacation or just for a rainy day.  I rather not owe or generate a debt just so I can project a lifestyle I really cannot afford.  So what if I make $30 or more an hour; I still can’t afford that BMW or Lexus!

What is your income and do you feel comfortable?  How do you control your expenses and do you keep track with a budget?  Share your opinions with me.  Thanks.

Let look forward to a great 2009! Lets be optimistic in a time where so much pessimism is around us.