In some industries it's almost worth thinking of your salary as the thing that allows you to stay alive ( with increasing dignity) until the age of 32-40 ish. Perhaps you really get paid to learn, to meet people, to gain knowledge and access and a reputation. If you focus on this, the gains afterwards can be much much greater. Doesn't always work this way, not every industry is like it, but at the very least to understand what you "earn" and "gain" beyond your salary should be a vital part of any job choice. Money is a deeply unimaginative, easily measured, less helpful thing than you may think. Often it just increases your expectations and fixed costs. …see more