"this economy" (was Re: [geeks] Ultra 2)

[R. Lonstein]

On Sat, Apr 27, 2002 at 02:52:15PM -0500, Jonathan C. Patschke wrote:
> <sheepish>
>    To me, that still sounds like a fat lot of money.  I'd even admin NT
>    servers and Bay Networks routers/switches for $35/hr.
> </sheepish>

Do the math.

40 hours per week, 49 weeks a year results in $68600, pre-tax. So if you
are a single deduct: Federal income tax (27.5% on first $65,550, 30.5%
from $65,551 to $136,750), Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).
This comes to $24194.40 in taxes. You get to live on the remaining
$44405.60.

Assuming no state or local taxes, you're not doing to bad. Oh, but
depending where you live, you may pay 30% of your gross pre-tax on
housing ($20580.00, that's $1715/month, not uncommon in the NY/Boston/DC
metro areas). So before you pay for food, clothing, transportation,
investments, debts or entertainment you have around $23825. Contribute
to your own medical coverage? Less for you. Pay for training? Tighten
the belt. Have any other financial issues? Tighten again.

Now ask yourself if you've ever really worked a salary position for just
40 hours per week.

- Ross