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Posts like this makes me wish I was born in a first-world country. I'd be lucky to be earning half of what this guy's making.

by yen223 14y ago

gavinflud 14y ago
The higher cost of living factors into that majorly though. I know where I am (Dublin) it's very expensive to live in the city and I imagine London is the same. That's why employers in those areas have to pay quite a bit more.
creamyhorror 14y ago
I'm with you, except I was born in a first-world country (next door to you). At least in Singapore the wages are better than in Malaysia, but the Singapore wage of USD35k pre-tax for a fresh/newish web developer is still pretty crappy pay compared to SF and even London. And rent is ridiculous, so basically every local lives with their parents. There are people who make it to SF from here but it's mostly to the big corps. The rest of us will hang around Asia earning relative peanuts while possibly hoping for a side project to take off. Given the poor wages here, it only makes sense to try to get a business going. Come work in Singapore anyway, you deserve better.
- TallGuyShort 14y ago
  It's odd hearing this perspective. I've lived in a country most people consider 'third-world' and yet my recent move to San Francisco is the only time I've been worried about being able to pay rent at the end of the month.
potatolicious 14y ago
Keep in mind that cost of living in London can be higher than even New York City, so that 40K GBP ($60K USD) isn't exactly raking in the dough. I know one guy who contracts with a US-based company while staying in Asia, exploiting the gap between salary and living cost seems like a pretty smart play. Question for the Londoners around here: what is the salary range like? I gather that NYC and London living costs are similar (with London supposedly edging out NYC slightly), but around here $120K is common (80K GBP), and in finance frequently runs higher than that. 40K GBP sounds strangely low, but I may lack context.
- oceola 14y ago
  my first job out of uni was in medium-size finance software consultancy @£35k, up to £37k in less than a year. Trying to live a family life on that wasn't fun (definitely possible, just not fun). Moved 80 miles south for a £34k salary, reduced hours & stress, no dry cleaner bills, much cheaper rent and 0 commuting costs (cycling). Don't miss London one bit :-) OTOH, I've not had a raise yet and can't see one coming any time soon. p.s. all numbers are pre-bonus, but for junior devs they're near-negligible in both companies anyway. p.p.s both jobs are enterprise java.
- guy_c 14y ago
  I guess for a fair comparison you'd need to consider taxation and major costs. In UK £45,000pa would net you £2,750/month after tax. Most likely your employer would be paying or contributing to your pension. Health care is free. Assuming you want your own place, a typical apartment in semi-central London might be £350/week rent. Local taxes depend on your properties value, but could say £100/month typical. Then for simplicity estimate major household bills (gas & electricity) at £100/month. Net Income: £2750/month Major Expense: ~£1750/month
  - guy_c 14y ago
    Few additions: Add £100/month more expenses for public transport to work (since in London it's not very common to live within walking distance of work). Probably a fair comparison might want to factor in university education cost. In the UK undergraduate fees are capped at £9,000/year. So a simplified sum: a 3-year undergraduate costs £27,000; spread over 10 years that's £225/month.

Posts like this makes me wish I was born in a first-world country. I'd be lucky to be earning half of what this guy's making.

by yen223 14y ago

Posts like this makes me wish I was born in a first-world country. I'd be lucky to be earning half of what this guy's making.

gavinflud 14y ago

The higher cost of living factors into that majorly though. I know where I am (Dublin) it's very expensive to live in the city and I imagine London is the same. That's why employers in those areas have to pay quite a bit more.

creamyhorror 14y ago

I'm with you, except I was born in a first-world country (next door to you). At least in Singapore the wages are better than in Malaysia, but the Singapore wage of USD35k pre-tax for a fresh/newish web developer is still pretty crappy pay compared to SF and even London. And rent is ridiculous, so basically every local lives with their parents. There are people who make it to SF from here but it's mostly to the big corps. The rest of us will hang around Asia earning relative peanuts while possibly hoping for a side project to take off. Given the poor wages here, it only makes sense to try to get a business going. Come work in Singapore anyway, you deserve better.

TallGuyShort 14y ago
It's odd hearing this perspective. I've lived in a country most people consider 'third-world' and yet my recent move to San Francisco is the only time I've been worried about being able to pay rent at the end of the month.

potatolicious 14y ago

Keep in mind that cost of living in London can be higher than even New York City, so that 40K GBP ($60K USD) isn't exactly raking in the dough. I know one guy who contracts with a US-based company while staying in Asia, exploiting the gap between salary and living cost seems like a pretty smart play. Question for the Londoners around here: what is the salary range like? I gather that NYC and London living costs are similar (with London supposedly edging out NYC slightly), but around here $120K is common (80K GBP), and in finance frequently runs higher than that. 40K GBP sounds strangely low, but I may lack context.

oceola 14y ago
my first job out of uni was in medium-size finance software consultancy @£35k, up to £37k in less than a year. Trying to live a family life on that wasn't fun (definitely possible, just not fun). Moved 80 miles south for a £34k salary, reduced hours & stress, no dry cleaner bills, much cheaper rent and 0 commuting costs (cycling). Don't miss London one bit :-) OTOH, I've not had a raise yet and can't see one coming any time soon. p.s. all numbers are pre-bonus, but for junior devs they're near-negligible in both companies anyway. p.p.s both jobs are enterprise java.
guy_c 14y ago
I guess for a fair comparison you'd need to consider taxation and major costs. In UK £45,000pa would net you £2,750/month after tax. Most likely your employer would be paying or contributing to your pension. Health care is free. Assuming you want your own place, a typical apartment in semi-central London might be £350/week rent. Local taxes depend on your properties value, but could say £100/month typical. Then for simplicity estimate major household bills (gas & electricity) at £100/month. Net Income: £2750/month Major Expense: ~£1750/month
- guy_c 14y ago
  Few additions: Add £100/month more expenses for public transport to work (since in London it's not very common to live within walking distance of work). Probably a fair comparison might want to factor in university education cost. In the UK undergraduate fees are capped at £9,000/year. So a simplified sum: a 3-year undergraduate costs £27,000; spread over 10 years that's £225/month.