Monday, September 21, 2026

"I make 2.8 million won a month and I'm content with my life..." Friend at a large company looks down on me: "Can you live on that?" [What Do You Think?]

Input
2026-09-21 06:54:16
Updated
2026-09-21 06:54:16
AI-generated image for illustrative purposes / Photo=ChatGPT

[Financial News]  A story has emerged about a 34-year-old office worker who said that revealing his annual salary among his college classmates made his previously satisfying life suddenly seem inadequate.
College classmates' salary reveal leaves office worker in his 30s feeling inadequate

Person A said in a recent post on an online community for office workers that his monthly take-home pay was about 2.8 million won. "I know it's not a lot of money," he admitted, but added, "I have been content with my current life, putting money into savings without taking on debt and enjoying my hobbies with the living expenses left over."
The problem arose at a recent gathering with his college classmates. "At our age, it was impossible not to talk about money, investments and real estate," Person A said. "Suddenly, everyone started revealing their annual salaries, as if they were taking part in a candlelight ceremony on the final day of a retreat."
With no choice, Person A also disclosed his annual salary. A friend who works for a large company looked surprised and responded, "Prices are really crazy these days. Can you live on that? After paying rent and just breathing, you probably won't have anything left. You must have a really hard time getting by."
Person A said the friend seemed to want to mention that he was financially comfortable after recently receiving a performance bonus. Still, he was taken aback by the friend's remarks, which sounded as though he was openly worried about Person A's financial situation.
"I live well without debt," he said, but still felt bitter... Netizens: "No need to feel discouraged"

He immediately laughed it off, saying, "I have no debt, and I'm living well, eating whatever I want, so you don't need to worry about me." However, his feelings did not settle easily. Person A eventually made an excuse and left the gathering early.
Netizens responded to the post with comments such as, "Some people earn 500 and spend 450, while others earn 250 and spend 150. Everyone has different tastes, lifestyles and levels of satisfaction. As long as you pull your weight in society and live a healthy, happy life, that's the best life there is," "If you're debt-free and satisfied with your life, isn't that the best?" "If the friend thinks he is worse off, why doesn't he send him 50 every month?" "The moment you start comparing yourself with others, you're on the road to ruining your life. Just go your own way," and "It's merely the arrogance of a fool who thinks a salary of 100 million won or more will last forever, so there's no need to feel discouraged by such comments."
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