First of all, the problem here is that the yardstick used is "monthly". In many parts of the world, income is measured annually.

If measured monthly, I could say my salary when I was 23 was around 4k++. But a year later this dropped to 3k+. This is due to the fact that when you measure income by month, it fluctuates a lot. Naturally, those on commission/self-income/claims in the right industry at the right time will look like they're earning similar to senior managers in MNC's.

But when recession hits, or business hits slow times, even a construction worker can earn more than him. But that's when they don't tell you, becoz want to save face. The only inkling is when they find excuses not to eat at posh restaurants or downgrade from Accord to Saga.

Back to the question. How much should a 30yr old guy earn from a FIXED INCOME? I would say, if you're 28 female it should vary from -20% to above your income, depending on your standards.

What's more important is work exp. Coz even if he's not earning much now, when he changes jobs his salary can increase by 50% or more. So pls value a guy based on his capability, not his paycheck.

This post has been edited by prozac: May 19 2008, 12:25 PM