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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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