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re: What minimum salary would be required to be part of the middle class?
Posted on 10/8/14 at 10:06 am to Freauxzen
Posted on 10/8/14 at 10:06 am to Freauxzen
quote:
Technical writing.
Absolutely.
--the writing/messaging end of corporate PR. Someone writes those internal newsletters, HR communiques, etc. It could be you.
--Or the writing shop of a large university development (aka fundraising) division; big donors receive written proposals, tailored to their specific needs & giving motivations
--Or the sponsored research segment of a major research uni or med school (someone's got to make those grant proposals tidy and compelling)
You seem to have picked out your locale. So apply those humanities research skills to the business sector of (Birmingham, wasn't it?). Who's hiring? Who's expanding? Who do you know already working in similar fields? If corp communications/PR is a goal, joint the relevant local professional org (PRSA, for example).
I've discovered that many people trained in tech fields (engineering, IT) and business (esp accounting) simply cannot write. They're happy to encounter a person who can listen to their ramblings, or take their sketchy list, and create a workable document. That's your core skill: now start thinking about all the places you can possible market it.
That's the beauty of humanities education: it's not a set path carved in stone, but rather a broad set of skills you can use to interpret the world and explain it to others.
2
Posted on 10/8/14 at 10:30 am to hungryone
quote:
Absolutely.
--the writing/messaging end of corporate PR. Someone writes those internal newsletters, HR communiques, etc. It could be you.
--Or the writing shop of a large university development (aka fundraising) division; big donors receive written proposals, tailored to their specific needs & giving motivations
--Or the sponsored research segment of a major research uni or med school (someone's got to make those grant proposals tidy and compelling)
You seem to have picked out your locale. So apply those humanities research skills to the business sector of (Birmingham, wasn't it?). Who's hiring? Who's expanding? Who do you know already working in similar fields? If corp communications/PR is a goal, joint the relevant local professional org (PRSA, for example).
I've discovered that many people trained in tech fields (engineering, IT) and business (esp accounting) simply cannot write. They're happy to encounter a person who can listen to their ramblings, or take their sketchy list, and create a workable document. That's your core skill: now start thinking about all the places you can possible market it.
That's the beauty of humanities education: it's not a set path carved in stone, but rather a broad set of skills you can use to interpret the world and explain it to others.
Good stuff.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 10:40 am to StringedInstruments
One thing to add: basic math skills are important. Understanding budget concepts and standard accounting practices will help you greatly. Too many English dept types have zero math skills--a real liability when attempting to navigate a world outside academe. If you don't know what a P/E ratio is or what goes into a 10K filing, don't try to fake your way into a corporate PR job.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 10:44 am to TigerDent
quote:As good a definition as any
I believe that once you have a fridge in your garage then you are officially considered middle class.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 11:23 am to TheIndulger
Why does that chart assume certain education levels with each income level. There's a correlation but it's far from a given. It would actually make a lot more sense if it showed you the education you could provide for your children at certain household income levels.
This post was edited on 10/8/14 at 11:25 am
Posted on 10/8/14 at 11:25 am to hungryone
Interesting. I have some free space in my MA program. Any classes I could take to get an overview of those concepts?
Posted on 10/8/14 at 11:44 am to hungryone
quote:
The cold, hard reality of being middle class in the US today is a two-income household, unless you were gifted with an early inheritance, free house, or started working at a very young age.
I was born in early 80s and have a sister that is 4 years younger than me. We lived in a decent neighborhood in the suburbs - nothing spectacular, but I never felt unsafe. Parents have a HS education. Mom never worked until I was a junior in HS and my sister was in 7th grade. We both went to Catholic schools 1st - 12th grades. Dad worked a physically demanding job - I doubt he ever made more than 30K in the 80s and maybe 40K in the 90s.
Yet, we owned our house, had a car (dad had a work truck owned by the company). We took something of a vacation each year - even if it was just to Biloxi for a few days. We always had food on the table. We had a life. I know my parents didn't save a dime for retirement outside of pension and social security, but we were able to live.
Fast forward to today. I simply cannot imagine my wife not working, unless I was making significantly more than I make now. This is a world where housing, education, medical care, etc, has increased in cost significantly higher than wage growth. After 20-30 years of that, it's not hard to see why my wife has to work. Especially if we ever want to do anything halfway nice.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 11:47 am to beaverfever
Obviously there are outliers, but typically those who are making over 100k have some sort of education post baccalaureate. If you have a bachelors degree you probably make more than 50k, etc...
Outliers such as plant operators, entrepreneurs, and off shore O&G workers (others I'm missing too) can bring in substantial (100k+) salaries, but that is not common for the uneducated population.
I don't think anyone is thinking that that chart is carved in stone, but rather what is typical for those educational levels.
Outliers such as plant operators, entrepreneurs, and off shore O&G workers (others I'm missing too) can bring in substantial (100k+) salaries, but that is not common for the uneducated population.
I don't think anyone is thinking that that chart is carved in stone, but rather what is typical for those educational levels.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 11:51 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
Interesting. I have some free space in my MA program. Any classes I could take to get an overview of those concepts?
I have often felt that two classes should be part of a "core" in any degree program - and they are financial accounting and intro to finance. Those classes are more important to personal development than biology or psychology.
Also, to give an idea about comfort level and finances: I live in a southern city. My wife and I combined make more than double what you will make even with the extra income. My wife is a teacher. We have two young children. We are looking to buy a house in the 170K range. And I constantly, every day, stress about having enough money. I scrimp and save every chance I get. We have enough in savings to weather an emergency, but I'm not at all comfortable.
If you want to stay in teaching in the classroom, you will probably never much improve your financial situation. (If you go into administration, you'll make more money, but work more hours and have to pay for a M.Ed. degree).
I would definetly look into corp communication positions, for long-term growth opportunities, but... initially... you might have to take a pay cut.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 1:22 pm to LSUFanHouston
quote:
I have often felt that two classes should be part of a "core" in any degree program - and they are financial accounting and intro to finance. Those classes are more important to personal development than biology or psychology.
Agree about the accounting. Take a look at your school's MBA curriculum--you may be able to talk your way into a management communications, crisis comm, or similar course.
Become proficient with Excel so it doesn't take you three hours to do simple things. (You can practice by setting up your household accounts in a spreadsheet.)
Also, consider more carefully how you spend your free time. Yes, music lessons bring in cash...but those kids aren't potential professional contacts who might hire you. Consider doing some volunteer work in a professional capacity. Nonprofits are often looking for grantwriters, or perhaps someone to re-write their dated website copy. Your school might be looking for volunteers to assist with alumni relations events....
And start working the career services office at your school NOW. Make an appointment to see the relevant person and show up decently dressed. Pitch your skills and ask him/her to help you broaden your job search. That's what the career services people are paid to do....
Posted on 10/8/14 at 2:47 pm to beaverfever
quote:
Why does that chart assume certain education levels with each income level. There's a correlation but it's far from a given. It would actually make a lot more sense if it showed you the education you could provide for your children at certain household income levels.
None of it is a given..the class tiers are not defined and subject to interpretation.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 3:06 pm to hungryone
quote:
Absolutely.
--the writing/messaging end of corporate PR. Someone writes those internal newsletters, HR communiques, etc. It could be you.
--Or the writing shop of a large university development (aka fundraising) division; big donors receive written proposals, tailored to their specific needs & giving motivations
--Or the sponsored research segment of a major research uni or med school (someone's got to make those grant proposals tidy and compelling)
You seem to have picked out your locale. So apply those humanities research skills to the business sector of (Birmingham, wasn't it?). Who's hiring? Who's expanding? Who do you know already working in similar fields? If corp communications/PR is a goal, joint the relevant local professional org (PRSA, for example).
I've discovered that many people trained in tech fields (engineering, IT) and business (esp accounting) simply cannot write. They're happy to encounter a person who can listen to their ramblings, or take their sketchy list, and create a workable document. That's your core skill: now start thinking about all the places you can possible market it.
That's the beauty of humanities education: it's not a set path carved in stone, but rather a broad set of skills you can use to interpret the world and explain it to others.
Should listen to this guy, specifically on Corporate PR. I took my English MA and went into Program and Project Management, Marketing, Business Dev and a few other ventures. I'm about to go into Sales/Marketing again, possibly, next. Couldn't be happier, except for the ridiculously tough decisions (like taking the Sales job this week or next). You have to do a good job of selling yourself though. Your best attribute is your communication, use it well.
The Humanities degree is extremely flexible, communicate, highlight your skills right and find the best way to prove that you can do anything. And get experience, ASAP.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 3:08 pm to hungryone
quote:
One thing to add: basic math skills are important. Understanding budget concepts and standard accounting practices will help you greatly. Too many English dept types have zero math skills--a real liability when attempting to navigate a world outside academe. If you don't know what a P/E ratio is or what goes into a 10K filing, don't try to fake your way into a corporate PR job.
Finance and I'd argue Coding at this point. Schools should be redoing the Core and Gen Ed Requirements to include both. Take out the social science and the biology or chem. Add Finance and Coding.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 5:42 pm to hungryone
You guys have high expectations for middle class.
Posted on 10/8/14 at 9:57 pm to StringedInstruments
that would be a manageable income for a family of 4, but I wouldn't say it would be upper middle class...maybe middle class, though...you just wouldn't be able to save much, either...
of course, the benefits that you would get by being a teacher may offset the dollars...I am not sure how all of that works in the educational system...
of course, the benefits that you would get by being a teacher may offset the dollars...I am not sure how all of that works in the educational system...
Posted on 10/9/14 at 10:08 am to Cold Cous Cous
quote:
You guys have high expectations for middle class.
He restated that he was referring to "upper middle class", which obviously has higher standards than lower middle class or just middle class.
IMO upper middle class is just below "rich", basically the top earners in the working force, many times with two incomes in the household.
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