Most people tend to be dissatisfied with their salaries, even when they are raised regularly. This phenomenon is curiosity and leads to the question: why is it happening? The answer to this may be in the peculiarities of human nature, psychology and social factors.
American Sam works at a private investment company. Last year, his salary was $ 200,000 plus 100,000 bonus.
The 34-year-old financier lives in New York, where the average family income is $ 70,000.
Sam's apartment is located on Manhattan - in one of the most expensive areas.
He travels with his friends several times a year, often visits restaurants, and he manages to save part of his salary.
He acknowledges that he has a high income, however, he does not hide that he would like to receive more.
"On the country, I obviously belong to the highest layer in terms of income, and I appreciate it. But at the same time I cannot imagine that I would not want to earn even more," he explains. "Maybe it's just human nature."
Sam is right. Employers increase wages based on economic conditions, including inflation and a rigid labor market.
With all, some experts say that the more people get, the larger the appetites in them. This is especially true of "careerists" and those who are engaged in intellectual work.
According to scientists, many people who are already earning within the upper average national income are unlikely to be fully satisfied with their financial situation.
Everything is relative
One of the reasons why people seek more is the habit of comparing themselves with others. And these others usually belong to the small selected group with which they interact daily.
"We only compare ourselves with our direct reference group, not with the population in general. If someone belongs to 1% of Tophachiv.
"In this group, there is always someone who has more, earns more, and it makes a person feel the need to earn more."
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Another important factor, according to Greenberg, is ego.
"Many people and men than women equate their earnings to self -esteem," the professor says.
"If your reference group consists of people with higher income than you, then you feel less important. And your ego will encourage to be equal or even better. It encourages earning more," she says.
Sam agrees. "In the company of classmates with smaller salaries, I feel good," he explains. "But as soon as I return to the work environment, everything changes."
The situation is also exacerbated by the fact that the conversations about salaries have historically been taboo, says Tessa West, a professor of psychology at the University of New York.
“Endorphin Injection”
Brendan, who works in a jar on Manhattan, also does not think that will ever be satisfied with his salary. Last year, he earned about $ 150,000.
"Of course, an increase is good, but will I ever come to the moment when I can say categorically: yes, I am very pleased with the money I make, and I do not want more? Probably not,"-says a 32-year-old man.
According to him, another increase increases the desire to get even more, because he sees that it is possible.
"It is a small, and sometimes big" injection of endorphin. "I think you get used to it."
Sam agrees and admits that it is not an unpleasant to get a surcharge, for example, this year, and the next year, or to get a much smaller one.
"In this situation, you compare yourself not only with others but also with yourself. And if you feel that you were regressing, it is quite unpleasant."
In his opinion, the main reason why he always wants to earn more is that the salary amount for him is a direct indicator of personal success.
"I think that you need to become more successful as your career ladders are successful, striving for success. And perhaps the amount of profit is a measure of this success."
After all, says Tessa West, people will always worry about their salaries. With each increase, they get used to a better lifestyle, which causes the desire to earn even more.
After all, the more you earn, the more you spend.
