My career was really stagnant in my early 30s. I was in the public sector then but just a lowly division 1 officer. Left for private sector in the late 30s.

The junior guys (late 20s early 30s) that was grooming the last few years made more money at that age than me.

I am happy for them but felt that my early years was wasted. Sure, you can call that "gaining experience" and I was honestly glad to have the opportunities for interesting work from 34 onwards, but was really under paid.

Year Income (S$) Age
2007 $54,600.00 29
2008 $44,661.00 30
2009 $71,742.00 31
2010 $74,776.00 32
2011 $85,600.00 33
2012 $86,214.00 34
2013 $92,736.00 35
2014 $104,696.00 36
2015 $104,513.00 37
2016 $117,227.00 38
2017 $155,365.00 39
2018 $175,476.00 40
2019 $206,140.00 41