Feb 17 / Richa Bansal

Why $150K Isn’t Enough—And What to Do About It

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The American dream looks good in pictures.

A big house

A comfortable life

Financial security for your family

That’s what so many professionals work hard to achieve. Even I was in that race when I first landed here.

But here’s the reality:

To live comfortably in the U.S., a family of four now needs $178K to $301K per year- just to cover essentials, discretionary spending, and savings.

In states like:

📍 California – $277K
📍 New York – $279K
📍 Washington – $257K

…even $150K isn’t enough.

You need well over $200K+ just to cover essentials, discretionary spending, and savings.

This is the cost of a stable and financially secure life. (I've not included luxuries)

So if you’re earning $150K and still feeling stretched thin, it’s not just you.

The cost of living has skyrocketed, but salaries haven’t kept up.

This means negotiating for more isn’t about wanting extra - it’s about ensuring your family’s future.

And if your current role won’t pay you what you’re worth, it might be time to:
- Position yourself for a higher-paying leadership role.
- Leverage your experience for a bigger opportunity.
- Make a strategic move that aligns with your financial goals.

Because staying underpaid doesn’t just impact your salary today - it holds back your financial security, career growth, and future opportunities.

So tell me - what’s the next move you’re making for your career?
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If your salary isn’t keeping up with the rising cost of living, The Fearless Hire will help you land a $200K+ leadership role that aligns with your financial goals. 

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Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help:

1. THE FEARLESS HIRE: The only career accelerator for mid-senior women that are ready to land their next $150k - $400k job offer. Get the proven playbook, personalized coaching, and accountability you need to build your career on your own timeline, and become recession-proof. 

2. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: The only women's leadership accelerator for mid-senior women across the Government of Canada. This 6-month leadership program will give you the confidence, skills and network you need to fast-track your growth to executive roles.

3. PARTNER WITH PINKCAREERS: Bring our award-winning keynotes, training and women's leadership programs to your organization to solidify your DEIB efforts. 

Your dream career begins here.

Every Saturday, get one actionable strategy to level up your confidence, career, and compensation in less than 5 minutes.
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