r/financialindependence • u/fidgit86 • Aug 13 '21

What do you do that you earn six figures?

It seems like a lot of people make a lot of money and it seems like I’m missing out on something. So those of you that do, whats your occupation that pays so well?

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u/BimboBuggins Aug 13 '21

Yup, just got my first job out of college and am making 190k total comp. Feels kinda dirty given everyone else I know in college who didn't do CS is struggling like mad to find any relevant job, let alone one that pays decently.

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u/techmagenta Aug 13 '21 edited Aug 13 '21

It’s insanity. My SO is also a software engineer (5ish year experience). Our combined compensation is 600k yearly. She’s not interested in FIRE unfortunately, so I save 40% of my pay check and she spends a lot of money on things like jewelry and purses. Even with her low savings rate she still eclipses me though, which is nice.

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u/ArtFUBU Aug 13 '21

I am trying to do software engineering. I was even a jr web dev for 2 years. It's hard man. I'm not a dumb person but I expect only 10 percent of the population is really capable of serious software engineering...and then you also have to be trained AND like it to do it well. I got a taste of how hard it was until I was let go. It just doesn't come naturally to me but I enjoy solving stuff.

I was making decent money and hope it will just come with time/experience but I am trying to study more about technologies while programming to get into cyber security because I know for a fact development won't be a thing for me 20 years from now. At least from what I understand about cybersecurity, it's less programming and more about process/tech accounting essentially.

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u/d_amalthea Aug 13 '21

Consider going the SDET route! Writing test code is simpler and you won't believe the demand for good SDETs out there. (Software Developer in Test). I'm a QA Manager and we definitely pay more than 100k for good SDETs.