Talking about one’s salary often feels like a taboo subject, even among close friends. Many hesitate to reveal how much they earn due to concerns about privacy, judgment, or strained relationships. Recently, a Reddit post sparked a conversation on whether individuals with several years of work experience openly share their actual salary with their best friends, especially when they earn significantly more than their peers.
The original poster shared their discomfort with friends guessing their income based on lifestyle but admitted only their family truly knows their actual salary. The Reddit user wrote, "I know you shouldn't tell your salary to your friends or relatives. But do you tell your salary to your best friends? I would like to know people who have more than 5 YOE and are earning better than your friends (50% or more)."
This sentiment resonated with many respondents who limit salary discussions to a very small circle. One user revealed that only two to three people, including their fiancé and their Chartered Accountant (CA) best friend, know their exact earnings, highlighting a common practice of keeping financial matters discreet outside trusted individuals.
Trust and Transparency: When Does It Feel Comfortable?
Several commenters pointed out that salary sharing depends heavily on trust and the nature of friendships. One user mentioned they share their salary openly with friends because everyone has similar years of experience and they encourage one another by discussing expected pay scales. In contrast, another user expressed discomfort when a friend tried guessing their salary, underscoring how even casual speculation can feel invasive.
From the perspective of a CA, salary figures during tax filing are just numbers, and some salaried professionals pay more taxes than businessmen who report lower taxable incomes.
Mixed Opinions on Salary Discussions
Views on salary openness vary widely. Some users advocate for honesty among friends, arguing that sharing salary details helps identify if one is underpaid and supports career growth. Conversely, others prefer to keep compensation confidential, citing personal privacy or fear of judgment. A few noted the social awkwardness that can arise when friends use salary details for comparison or ego boosts.
One user noted that compensation details are confidential between an employee and their company but acknowledged that discreet sharing among close friends might be acceptable if it remains within that circle. Another highlighted the importance of recognizing trustworthy friends and understanding who would respect that information without exploiting it.
The Reddit thread reveals that salary sharing with best friends is a personal choice influenced by trust, professional context, and individual comfort levels. While some openly discuss compensation to motivate and support each other, others remain cautious, protecting their financial privacy.
The original poster shared their discomfort with friends guessing their income based on lifestyle but admitted only their family truly knows their actual salary. The Reddit user wrote, "I know you shouldn't tell your salary to your friends or relatives. But do you tell your salary to your best friends? I would like to know people who have more than 5 YOE and are earning better than your friends (50% or more)."
This sentiment resonated with many respondents who limit salary discussions to a very small circle. One user revealed that only two to three people, including their fiancé and their Chartered Accountant (CA) best friend, know their exact earnings, highlighting a common practice of keeping financial matters discreet outside trusted individuals.
Trust and Transparency: When Does It Feel Comfortable?
Several commenters pointed out that salary sharing depends heavily on trust and the nature of friendships. One user mentioned they share their salary openly with friends because everyone has similar years of experience and they encourage one another by discussing expected pay scales. In contrast, another user expressed discomfort when a friend tried guessing their salary, underscoring how even casual speculation can feel invasive.
From the perspective of a CA, salary figures during tax filing are just numbers, and some salaried professionals pay more taxes than businessmen who report lower taxable incomes.
Mixed Opinions on Salary Discussions
Views on salary openness vary widely. Some users advocate for honesty among friends, arguing that sharing salary details helps identify if one is underpaid and supports career growth. Conversely, others prefer to keep compensation confidential, citing personal privacy or fear of judgment. A few noted the social awkwardness that can arise when friends use salary details for comparison or ego boosts.
One user noted that compensation details are confidential between an employee and their company but acknowledged that discreet sharing among close friends might be acceptable if it remains within that circle. Another highlighted the importance of recognizing trustworthy friends and understanding who would respect that information without exploiting it.
The Reddit thread reveals that salary sharing with best friends is a personal choice influenced by trust, professional context, and individual comfort levels. While some openly discuss compensation to motivate and support each other, others remain cautious, protecting their financial privacy.
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