EFFIE BATEMAN | Lifestyle | Contact
A Betoota Heights woman has this week has had to try to gently explain to her parents that even though she makes more money than her dad ever did, she’s not even close to being middle class – if middle class even exists anymore.
Visiting her parents for a monthly dinner catchup, Chelsea Lismore, 28, found herself yet again being reminded of how different life back in the day was, when her parents remarked how great her lifestyle must be when she revealed the salary at her new job – a staggering $80,000 a year.
“$80k a year, you must be rolling in it”, exclaimed her dad, who raised two children and paid off a mortgage for a three bedroom house while making $55k as a panel beater.
“Dinner’s on you then”, playfully quipped her mum, who was able to stay at home and raise Chelsea and her brother without feeling financial stress.
Pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration, Chelsea found herself explaining that actually, $80k doesn’t get you very far these days. Nor does $100,000, which was considered the goal post twenty years ago.
“Yeah so $80k is kind of the new $50k, and $100k is the new $75k, if that makes sense?”
“And making $50k is, well you’re fucked essentially.”
More to come.
