Discussing money

[Heracles 417]

I was watching the nightly news and noticed a story about how discussing money is traditionally a taboo in America. When I thought about it they are right. I know downunder we tend to discuss our pay more openly. I know what all of my friends and family earns; even my coworkers. Whereas here everything is hush hush, especially at work. Knowing what others are getting is probably why people earn so much in Aus. We all know when the other is being ripped off by an employer.

Anyone know why discussing money, especially income, is such a taboo in the US? After all how do you know whether you are earning a good wage compared to others or being short-changed by your employer?

[mawilson 2,133]

Anyone know why discussing money, especially income, is such a taboo in the US? After all how do you know whether you are earning a good wage compared to others or being short-changed by your employer?

Tell VJ'ers how much you make and you'll find out

[*Robert* 2]

Anyone know why discussing money, especially income, is such a taboo in the US? After all how do you know whether you are earning a good wage compared to others or being short-changed by your employer?

Tell VJ'ers how much you make and you'll find out

[Amby 490]

VJ people would never talk to me again if I talked about money

[Heracles 417]

Anyone know why discussing money, especially income, is such a taboo in the US? After all how do you know whether you are earning a good wage compared to others or being short-changed by your employer?

Tell VJ'ers how much you make and you'll find out

If people actually talked about what they earned I think a lot would improve in the US. There are a lot of people earning good salaries, $350K plus, in the US while there are others barely making minimum wage.

I never thought about it until I saw this news story. Even amongst friends and family I have naturally been open about money whereas everyone else is hush hush.

[NickD 203]

Anyone know why discussing money, especially income, is such a taboo in the US? After all how do you know whether you are earning a good wage compared to others or being short-changed by your employer?

Tell VJ'ers how much you make and you'll find out

Certainly true in the private professional fields, discussing salaries are grounds for dismissal. But not true when working for the government, know the rank and time in service or employment, know exactly what they make. But if you get high enough on the ladder not only know what everyone earns, but determine it.

One good reason not to discuss wages, you are ashamed to tell anyone how little you make.

[Heracles 417]

VJ people would never talk to me again if I talked about money

People shouldn't envy or be jealous of others more successful. There is nothing wrong with being financially savvy.

[Amby 490]

VJ people would never talk to me again if I talked about money

People shouldn't envy or be jealous of others more successful. There is nothing wrong with being financially savvy.

I am not financial savvy but others before me were

[Y's_habibitk 2]

Talking with your co workers about your salary is grounds for instant termination at almost every company I have worked for. I have actually have had to let an employee go for doing just that.

It breeds resentment and jealousy in the workplace.

Its not "fair" because people should know what the "going rate" is at the company..but it usually does more harm than good.

Edited November 26, 2008 by Y_habibitk

[Heracles 417]

Certainly true in the private professional fields, discussing salaries are grounds for dismissal.

I wonder why that is. Or is this how companies here pay people peanuts yet let them think they are earning a good deal.

[Heracles 417]

Talking with your co workers about your salary is grounds for instant termination at almost every company I have worked for. I have actually have had to let an employee go for doing just that.

It breeds resentment and jealousy in the workplace.

Its not "fair" because people should know what the "going rate" is at the company..but it usually does more harm than good.

So how do you guys know you are not being short-changed by your employer. We all knew what the other earned back in Aus. If someone earned less we used it as a bargaining tool. I wanted all of my colleagues to earn a good salary and vice versa. Then again I was friends with my colleagues. Whereas here we all have the shifty eye on the other. Definitely a different culture.

Edited November 26, 2008 by Aficionado

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Talking about money in a productive way (how to invest, how to save, how to ask for a raise using the higher salaries of others with similar skills as leverage) is smart.....bragging about money is gauche and tacky.

[Heracles 417]

Talking about money in a productive way (how to invest, how to save, how to ask for a raise using the higher salaries of others with similar skills as leverage) is smart.....bragging about money is gauche and tacky.

Right you are.

[MrsCat 6]

To clarify, is this about discussing money in general conversation, or just in the workplace?

[Jenn! 918]

I've just been brought up that it was really tacky. Not sure there's anything that can change my take on it. Only with very close friends and family would I feel comfortable sharing salary info.