Would you say your standard of living is better or worse now (2008) than it was five years ago (2003)?

[BRIAN AND ISA 0]

Far worse(financial) Much better(emotion) I am in the real estate business and everyone knows how that has been the last couple of years. In 2003 I had all the money in the world but was very unhappy. Now, we are just getting by but emotionally I am much happier since Isa and Isabella are in my life. Honestly I would not trade any of my life experiences and it is true that "things happen for a reason".

[o0pink0o 3]

better

[tom&tata 2]

How can anyone say it's better when gas costs more than twice what it did 5 years ago?

In my husband's case, he got at least 50% increase in pay since 2003. Gas price increase as much but gas is a smaller component in his expense (his commute now & then is within 12 miles one way with very light traffic)

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

How can anyone say it's better when gas costs more than twice what it did 5 years ago?

In my husband's case, he got at least 50% increase in pay since 2003. Gas price increase as much but gas is a smaller component in his expense (his commute now & then is within 12 miles one way with very light traffic)

[BabyBlueSusie 1]

i read the question incorrectly and thought it was referring to the standard of living (aka in the usa), as opposed to my own personal standard of living

change one vote from worse to better

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Cool.

So VJ is at 60% yes with almost 50 responses. Not bad!

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

It might be interesting to have the VJ results broken down by age group - I bet most people in their 22-30 are going to be better off than they were 5 years ago because they racked up more job/career experience.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Probably true.

[~krakatoa~ 27]

Better financially.

My husband couldn't pull up his savings when he was still single.

Emotionally, I'm not doing good. I am bothered by the abuse I am getting at work.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Emotionally, I'm not doing good. I am bothered by the abuse I am getting at work.

I am sorry to hear that. Toxic work environments are the worst. What are your options?

[Sister Fracas 5]

Better in that it doesn't cost twice as much for a couple to live than it does for a single person.

[greeneyedgirlfl 0]

Until Darren comes over, I think it's worse. I make marginally more, but not enough to cover my increased housing costs (not buying a home until we figure out where we want to settle), the increased money I have to pay for insurance deductibles, and the increased fuel and grocery costs. They're substantially increasing our work load at my job with no increase in pay, and it's looking bleak for Darren to get even an entry level job here since few people are hiring (but professional layoffs are increasing).

But on the bright side, the love of my life will be here, and that definitely trumps the rest!

[Henia 11]

My standard is better then 5 years ago. But if I still was in the US, it would be worse.

[JULIAFERNO 0]

Better all around - in 2003 I was a full time college student, now I am gainfully employed. I'm also in a great place mentally and emotionally - which has a lot to do with meeting the love of my life. Life is good...and as soon as Onur's visa is approved life will be FABULOUS.

[~krakatoa~ 27]

Emotionally, I'm not doing good. I am bothered by the abuse I am getting at work.

I am sorry to hear that. Toxic work environments are the worst. What are your options?

The VP apologized, and changed tune. I refused to play mind games with him so I'd quit. I got another job offer in the same field and same job title. I should check it out very soon.

Edited June 12, 2008 by krakatoa