Today, while thumbing through the Philadelphia Enquirer, I came across the Parade Magazine. The Front Cover Boasts an interesting lure.... WHAT PEOPLE EARN...Now, we all know the economy is in "crisis", and the unemployment rate has fluctuated; but curiosity crept in, when I saw the cover, and I had to read this.
No matter who you are, or what you do, in some way, I am sure the economy has affected you in some way. According to Parade Magazine; the Average Americans pre tax pay bi-weekly is $1,494.00. Now, that it is posted right on the front cover. Hmmm. Does that seem high or low to you, in the area in which you live and work?
After thumbing through the pages ; looking for more on the story, I was stopped in my tracks to see how "Ken" is turning 50, and how his hair has changed over the years.....
Moving on, (but I just had to add this) I get to the cover story and read on. The number are on such a broad scale, mind mind begins to wander. As an unseen member of these group of people on these pages, I see myself in the imaginary median of this spectrum of earned income. Supporting a family of 10, (my husband, myself, and 8 children) is quite a feat these days, with both of us Realtors. But just when I start to bring out the violin on how hard it is for us to survive, I look further at the numbers..
On the lower end of the earning spectrum; I come across a ballet dancer, at a yearly earning pf $16,000. A barista; at $17,500, and a graphic designer at $12,180. These numbers spark my attention and imagination of how slim their budgets must be.
Living on the opposite end; are the high earners; is a fed-ex pilot at $147,000, and an ebay seller of over $100,000. But who, WHO is the highest earner in the salary spread?
A REAL ESTATE AGENT... Chad Rogers, of Beverly Hills, California, is just a meager 33, and the highest earner on the spread at a whopping $1,605,262. A realtor? REALLY!? I had to google this fella. I had no idea who he was. SO, I begin at Active Rain. Is he a member? NO, but I did find a few bits of info on him, in a fellow members blog; Stewart Penn.
Honestly, do not know how I felt about this. I take my career seriously, and there have been times when I have been on the defense in justification of my commission. Then I see a Realtor making the top of the earners in the Parade magazine. How does it make you feel? Does it portray Realtors as overpaid earners? Does it justify the commission we get paid? Another thought comes to mind. I see Chad was also in the TV program "Million Dollar Listing" how much earnings were from that, and not Real Estate. Either way, Chad's salary helps me strive for one thing. Success, and to keep Reaching For The Stars... :) Also, Chad, join ActiveRain!
Information obtained for this article through Parade Magazine www.parade.com
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