Do you really need six figures?

0

 


Do you really need six figures?


As a sophomore in college who is a bit lost in terms of what they want to do in life, I keep coming across posts online saying that you need six figures to succeed in life. Is that true? I don't feel like I need six figures. I would be okay not making six figures.

I don't live in a HCOL area (like NYC, SF, LA) I. I'm not big into shopping. most of my hobbies don't involve having to spend a lot of money. I'm living at home with my mom, saving a lot of money. I'm okay living with roommates in the future. The only problem I see down the line is if maybe I want a family. But it's not like I'll be the only person working and paying the bills. I'll have a wife that will also be working. So i don't understand where this idea of needing six figures to survive is coming from.


Jobadvisor

You’re asking a really thoughtful question — and it’s one a lot of people quietly wonder about, especially in college when everyone is being told to “chase the bag.” The truth is: you don’t need six figures to live a good, stable life — it depends heavily on your lifestyle, location, and goals.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Cost of Living Matters More Than Income

  • In low- to medium-cost-of-living (LCOL/MCOL) areas, many people live comfortably on salaries in the $50k–$80k range, sometimes less if they’re frugal.

  • In high-cost-of-living (HCOL) areas (NYC, SF, LA), six figures can feel like barely scraping by due to rent, taxes, and expenses. That’s where the “you need six figures” narrative comes from.

2. Lifestyle Choices Drive How Much You Need

  • You already mentioned you don’t care much about expensive hobbies or shopping — that alone makes a huge difference.

  • If you’re okay with roommates, used cars, and cooking at home, your income stretches a lot further.

  • Families do add costs (childcare, healthcare, bigger housing), but two incomes usually balance that out.

3. Wealth Isn’t Just Income

  • Earning $60k and saving/investing $10k a year is better than earning $120k and spending all of it.

  • Financial independence comes from managing money, not just making a lot.

4. Social Media Skews Perceptions

  • Online “money talk” is often dominated by people in HCOL cities, finance bros, or influencers trying to sell the idea of “hustling.”

  • They often ignore that the median household income in the U.S. is around $75k (not individual income), and most people get by on far less.

5. Your Goals Can Change the Math

Ask yourself:

  • Do I want kids? If so, how many?

  • Do I want to own a house, or am I fine renting?

  • Do I want to retire early, or am I okay working longer?

  • Do I want a flexible, lower-stress lifestyle, or am I chasing career prestige?

Your answers to those questions matter more than hitting an arbitrary “six figures” milestone.

👉 Bottom line: You’re not missing something. For many people outside of expensive cities, six figures isn’t necessary. What matters most is aligning your income with the life you want, and building good financial habits early (saving, investing, avoiding debt).

Would you like me to break down what a “comfortable” income might look like in your situation (like rough budget numbers at different income levels), so you can see it clearly?


What careers are out there for people who genuinely want to help others? I want to be surrounded by other kind people who want to make the world a better place.

I’m tired of the corporate US bullshit, where people just cut others down to get ahead in life. I want to be a good person in the world, a good man of kindness & strength, who lifts others up not tears them down. I feel like I need work that is the same because my current job is completely void of this, and it’s affecting my mental health and outlook on life.


Jobadvisor

I really hear you in this. It takes a lot of strength and clarity to recognize when the environment you’re in is corroding your sense of self and values. Wanting to live and work in alignment with kindness, service, and making the world better is deeply human—and there are places and paths where people share that energy.

Here are some career directions and fields where you’ll more often find people motivated by service, compassion, and community:

🌱 Direct People-Helping Professions

  • Counseling / Therapy / Social Work → Supporting others through struggles and helping them heal.

  • Teaching / Education → Particularly in schools, adult education, or special education, where you’re shaping lives.

  • Healthcare → Nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or holistic health practices all revolve around care.

  • Nonprofit / Charity Work → Program coordinator, volunteer manager, fundraiser, or advocacy work.

🌍 Community & Social Impact Work

  • Community Development / Urban Planning → Building stronger, healthier communities.

  • Environmental & Sustainability Work → Conservation, renewable energy, climate advocacy—work that’s about protecting the planet.

  • Humanitarian & International Aid → NGOs, relief organizations, or development agencies.

🛠 Hands-On Service Careers

  • Emergency Services → Firefighting, paramedicine, search & rescue—often built on teamwork and service.

  • Skilled Trades with a Service Focus → Electricians, carpenters, or builders who dedicate themselves to ethical, community-focused work.

  • Animal Care → Veterinary assistant, wildlife rehab, animal shelters.

🎨 Creative & Healing Arts

  • Art Therapy / Music Therapy → Using creativity to heal.

  • Coaching & Mentorship → Guiding others in career, wellness, or life direction.

  • Spiritual or Faith-Based Roles → Chaplaincy, ministry, or community leadership.

🌟 Broader Ways to Align Work with Kindness

  • Even in corporate environments, there are pockets of humanity—like corporate social responsibility, employee wellness, or learning & development roles.

  • Startups and social enterprises (companies founded to make an impact rather than just profits) often attract kind, mission-driven people.

  • You might even consider starting your own path—a community initiative, nonprofit, or small business rooted in your values.

👉 A helpful step might be asking yourself: Do I feel most alive when I’m supporting people directly, fixing things hands-on, advocating for change, or creating something that uplifts others? That can point you toward the right “branch” of helping work.

Also, volunteering can be a safe way to “test drive” new environments filled with the kind of kindhearted people you’re longing to be around, without immediately committing to a full career change.



Accepted a position but I have another interview I want to explore

I am currently unemployed and I was offered a position so I enthusiastically accepted it. (This was yesterday) However, one of my dream jobs came into play and I set up an interview with them tomorrow. The company that I accepted the position for sent a couple of emails about onboarding and direct deposit. I have yet to respond to the emails because I want to see about the other job at play. I most likely won't hear about my dream job until a couple of days after the interview, but don't want to leave the other job hanging. I don't want to let the first company down by not responding because they may be my only option if my dream job doesn't work out. I NEED ADVICE!!


Jobadvisor


Of course. This is an incredibly common and stressful situation. The key is to manage it with professionalism and strategic communication to keep your options open without burning bridges.


Here is a step-by-step guide and the advice you need.


The Golden Rule: Do NOT Ghost the First Company


Silence is the worst thing you can do right now. It looks unprofessional, creates frustration, and could cause them to rescind the offer if they think you've flaked. You need to communicate, but carefully.

 Your Step-by-Step Plan


 1. Buy Yourself Some Time (Tactfully)


Your immediate goal is to delay the onboarding process with Company A (the accepted offer) without raising major red flags. You need a legitimate, professional reason.


**How to respond to Company A's onboarding emails:**


**Subject: Re: Onboarding Documents for [Your Name]**


**Hi [Hiring Manager or HR Contact's Name],**


**Thank you so much for sending these documents over. I've reviewed them and will have everything completed and returned to you promptly.**


**I do have a pre-scheduled, unavoidable personal commitment this week that will require my full attention for the next few days. To ensure I can give these forms the careful review they deserve, I will have them all back to you by [e.g., end of day Friday, or next Monday].**


**I'm incredibly excited to get started and appreciate your understanding.**


**Best regards,**


**[Your Name]**


**Why this works:**

*   **It's responsive:** You've acknowledged them immediately.

*   **It's positive:** You reaffirm your excitement for the role.

*   **It's vague but legitimate:** "Pre-scheduled personal commitment" could be anything from a family matter to a minor medical procedure. It's not a lie and doesn't invite follow-up questions.

*   **It sets a clear deadline:** This manages their expectations and gives you until the end of the week (or start of next) to see how your dream job interview goes.

2. Ace the Dream Job Interview (Company B)


Go to that interview tomorrow and give it your absolute all. This is your shot. However, it's also your responsibility to gently accelerate their process if possible.


**At the end of your interview, you can say something like:**


> "This role sounds absolutely fantastic and is exactly the kind of opportunity I've been looking for. I do feel it's important to be transparent that I am in the final stages with another company and have a standing offer. Is there any flexibility in your timeline for a decision? I want to make the best choice for my career, and this position is my top choice."


**Why this works:**

*   It creates a sense of urgency for them without being demanding.

*   It shows you are a desirable candidate.

*   It frames them as your "top choice," which is flattering and might push them to move faster.

3. Navigate the "Decision Limbo"


You likely won't get an answer from Company B immediately after the interview. This is the toughest part.


*   **If Company A follows up:** If they check in after your self-imposed deadline (e.g., on Monday), you may need to extend the timeline once more using a similar excuse. However, you can't do this forever. You're buying a few days, not a few weeks.

*   **If Company B is taking too long:** It is perfectly acceptable to send a polite follow-up email to your interviewer or HR contact at Company B, reiterating your strong interest and mentioning again that you are working under another deadline.

4. Be Prepared for the Outcomes


**Scenario A: You get the dream job offer!**

This is the best-case scenario. You must act quickly and professionally.


1.  **Get the offer in writing** from Company B.

2.  **Call** the hiring manager at Company A. Do not email. This is difficult but respectful.

3.  **What to say on the call:**

    > "Hello [Hiring Manager's Name], This is [Your Name]. I'm calling because I have to unfortunately rescind my acceptance of the offer for the [Job Title] position. This is an incredibly difficult decision, but I have received an offer for an opportunity that is a unique fit for my long-term career goals. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this causes. I have the utmost respect for you and [Company A], and this was not an easy call to make."


4.  **Expect them to be disappointed.** They may be angry. Be apologetic but firm. You are not the first person to do this, and you won't be the last. It's a business decision.


**Scenario B: You don't get the dream job.**

This is why you handled Company A professionally. You simply proceed with their onboarding process. You sent the documents you promised, and you're ready to start. They will be none the wiser that you were interviewing elsewhere.


**Scenario C: No word from Dream Job, but you must commit to Company A.**

This is the most likely scenario. If you can't stall any longer and must fully onboard with Company A, you do so. If a dream job offer comes in *after* you've started, you are still in a similar boat, though leaving a job you just started is an even more delicate situation and will likely burn that bridge.


Key Takeaways:


*   **Communicate, don't disappear.** Your silence is your biggest enemy.

*   **Buy time gracefully** with a legitimate, vague reason.

*   **Be transparent (to a point)** with the dream company about your timeline.

*   **Always be professional.** The world is small, and you never know when you'll cross paths with these people again.

*   **Protect your downside.** Company A is your safety net, so handle them with care.


You are in a position of power because you have an offer. Now you just need to manage it wisely. Good luck with your interview tomorrow

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post