I am worried about my future

I am in my early 30s, earning 3.5K in a IT mnc. Any advise on how to make the first leap towards a higher income? I'm not very ambitious, would be very happy if my salary level can reach 5-6K per mth.
Any specific advice would be greatly appreciated. The previous posts are usually quite general, like I'm earning 10k per mth or I have a networth of 2 million. How do people usually achieve their first milestone, in terms of financial success?

I have also worked for around 3+ years but mostly on service sector. At 27 with a degree in business, I currently took a little pay cut to work as a marketer earning 2.3k. I have applied like close to 200 job advertisements but doesn't seems to get an interview chance while my friend who has less experience landed a manager job while he has not receive his degree cert yet.

Originally Posted by suayboy

I have also worked for around 3+ years but mostly on service sector. At 27 with a degree in business, I currently took a little pay cut to work as a marketer earning 2.3k. I have applied like close to 200 job advertisements but doesn't seems to get an interview chance while my friend who has less experience landed a manager job while he has not receive his degree cert yet.

Is it because your degree is private and the organisation does not recognise it?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am 30 this year, earning $3.8k in a engineering firm. Reading the posts in this forum makes me feel like the lowest strata of the society. Seems like every other person here is earning $100K & above, with many income range in the $200K-$300K bracket! i used to thought only doctors & lawyers can earn this level of income... but seems like many are professionals & positions can reap this level of payoffs too

There are a lot of people earning $100k, and a sizeable number earning more than $200k/300k. But a lot or sizeable does not mean most people. At least you have age on your side.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am 32 yo. I began my career 8 years ago at $2.6k per month, <$40k per annum. I know that was considered low too.

At present, I get >$8k per month, >$160k per annum. I know this is nothing to scream about - many others earn much more than I do - but I think it is decent and I am thankful.

I started with a low base salary, but put in my best nonetheless. My hard work quickly paid off. I was blessed with many superb and supportive bosses who were generous with their leadership, guidance, and recognition. The promotions came faster, and the annual increments and bonuses came to be of greater amounts, than I had ever anticipated in the early days of my career.

Even as my wages increased, I kept my expenses within reasonable limits and patiently grew my savings and investments. Over the past five years (since I began tracking my income and spending), I managed to save 75% of my annual take-home pay (excluding CPF). I currently save 80% of my annual take-home pay, have >$250k in stocks (earning >$1.2k in dividends on average each month), $200k in CPF, $45k in ILP, and own a condo ($1.2mn, with 40% paid off). I don't own a car, nor do I ever intend to. Again, while I know that all these pale in comparison with many others, I am also keenly aware that I have been very blessed.

Having said that, I think we (myself included) should caution against falling into the 'comparison trap'. What matters, I believe, is not so much where we began, what we have, or how we compare to the rest, but what we do next to make the best of that.

how did u manage to get 200K in CPF?

[mgm]

reno cost for the properties play a part in your ROI as well. so do up your house wisely with the funds you have. interior design singapore @ Homewerg

Interior Design Singapore

Don't worry bro.

look at me first. 30 years old

I was played around like a rag dog and humiliated in my first job after nus.
bullied and trashed out of the company due to company politics. I slipped into depression soon after. I didn't manage to come out of it, and matters got worst and worst. i begin to look down on myself and berate myself for letting my generation down. i even laugh at myself sometimes outside, some people immediately "siam" me for fear i am a mad person.

I have been swinging in and out of depression for the past 2 years, savings gone.
i lost a further 2 jobs, both contract roles, but i FARKED it up, shouted at my superior and refuse to cooperate due to my depression.

I feel I am worthless.

My whole family is broken, my father strayed outside. my mother is very weak due to frequent anger. I am myself depressed staying at home for the past 1 year.

Only 2 family members are doing okay. my sister and brother
My sister is still studying, she should be considered fine.
My brother is a banker in a top us bank, making more than 60k per year. he is considered fine.

Originally Posted by Aaron

I am 27 years old, currently working for 3.5 years and my salary is 3k (I know it is considered low). Just completed my part time degree in Mechanical Engineering (non-local), 2nd upper. Engaged but currently still living with parents and doesn’t own a car; cash 25k.

Reading through this forum I realized that I am probably one of the poorest man in Singapore and I think it will be a really tough time for me to fork out the money for my wedding and hdb in the near future (in 1-2 yrs time).

I hope the experts and experienced people here able to give me some advice of what I can do to improve this situation. Investment?

I was earning the same at your age, with only a degree(part time). Now at late 30, earning around 150k PA, switched jobs few times since then, every job gained new skill, knowledge and experience. I am never a good performer at any company.

Young man, don't worry, work hard and do your best, learn as much you can, look for company who need people with multiple skills and relevant experiences.

Wedding dinner is BS. Make it simple, not all your guests willing to pay big red packet.

i think in life, most important is willing to work hard and learn, have the right attitude..there is no limit to the amount/salary you can earn....

i feel you are not those who cannot take stress and want an easy life but still crave for those $5k and above salaries...seen so many such in company...pretty useless...

bad economy now, so not easy to get job