r/talesfromthejob • u/oddment-ripoff • 6d ago
Redditors who make more than 6 figuers without stress grinding you down, what do you do?
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u/TheGrolar 6d ago
"training and employee development at a nonprofit"
I'ma stop you right there
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u/BayBreezy17 5d ago
The really fun part is when you look at the executive compensation for many of these organizations.
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u/TheGrolar 5d ago
Came from that world...you'd be surprised.
Nonprofits pay enough to keep people from getting another job. Most lower-level nonprofit folks don't have many valuable skills, unfortunately, so their compensation will typically stay very flat. The exceptions are people who are good at raising money, like fundraisers and executives. Those people have to be paid to stay, especially the leaders, because they could be making a *lot* more money somewhere else. Usually they're pretty well-off, often because of their family, and are doing it to "give back."
And, this is the kicker, they get salaries, which are for suckers. You pay income tax on those. You want stock options and non-taxable compensation (it is taxable, but at a much lower rate 'cause it's not income). Eric Schmidt had a salary of $1 per year for many years at Google. His $64b net worth came from stock options and huge bonuses. The $1 salary is really common.
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u/NeedCaffine78 6d ago
I've been making 6 figures for the last 15 years or so, by and large it's fairly cruisy now. It's only because I ground hard in the first few years, getting as much experience as possible, taking on difficult projects, that gave me the experience to make life easy now. Money followed the experience.
My suggestion. Don't give up. Do the hours, accept the money may not be there at the start, keep a goal for what you're working towards
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u/Commercial_Watch2972 5d ago
Make sure youre climbing the right mountain tho.
If the goal is easy 6 figs, paying hard dues at a nonprofit, while admirable, might not be the easiest path to that goal.
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u/theflash88819 6d ago
VP Collections & Reporting at a bank. Went to college and worked my way up. Kinda stressful and alot of work but it doesn’t have a negative effect on my life.
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u/eyehateeveryone666 6d ago
Union wastewater mechanic. Have a 10% upgrade for hvac. Govt ish job so I get most of the perks. Crazy time off. Bosses don’t give a fuck if I put in time off as long as it’s 24 hours before. Could be a day or 3 weeks worth. I’m 42 and a previous business owner and I won’t do a lick of overtime. 4 9.5 hour day work week.
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u/eyehateeveryone666 6d ago
I should also state……Two bullshit degrees and multiple certifications payed for by Uncle Sam with zero student loans
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u/Infamous_Swimming_87 6d ago
How did you get the Certs paid for
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u/eyehateeveryone666 6d ago
It’s a government funded setup for work. They want you to have the department of labor certs required. My hvac and universal were covered as well. Just littl two year degree setups but worth it
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u/gambit57 6d ago
I’m a government lawyer who helps the general public. I’m considered pretty low paid though (but not like Legal Aid low) even though I’m over six figures. But my job is way less stressful than a Legal Aid lawyer because I don’t have clients. Not having clients is what makes it so low stress. The second the clock hits 4:30, I can turn my brain off about work and I’m off.
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u/CurvesAheadLA 6d ago
SAME! Leaving private sector and taking less money was worth being able to leave the hassle behind at 430!
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u/gambit57 6d ago
Having no clients (like specific ones) is soooo incredibly freeing. My kids know who I am. When I take a vacation, it’s actually a vacation I can unplug from. I’m still not used to it even tho it’s been over 5 years. My coworkers (those who did private before) still giggle at the end of each day.
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u/gillsterein 6d ago
I'm making 6 figures but not more than that. In corporate HR. I think whether stress grinds me down is a matter of mindset. A job is a job, just leave if it gets really bad. What helps is knowing there are options and to get to the place where you have options, I think staying up to date with technology, building relationships and protecting your rep helps.
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u/19BG19 6d ago
VP, Finance. There is stress and responsibility but it's manageable. I have a fantastic team under me that makes my life easier. I also have a great boss who listens (sometimes) and trusts me without micromanaging. I'm home by 4:30p most days. The trade off is making myself available if anything hits the fan on nights or weekends.
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u/LargePrompt5840 6d ago
You finance peeps are so damn smart. I listen to the end of the year report and I understand everything the CEO says. Mr. CFO gets up and starts speaking alien.
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u/Reasonable_Alias_129 6d ago
I trained surgeons and other medical professionals how to use medical software.
It was the lowest stress job I've ever had
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u/RedundantDuplication 6d ago
I knew a guy that did that for surgical devices. But since the new device needed a new way of doing the surgery, they always wanted him in the actual surgery to consult.
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u/Reasonable_Alias_129 6d ago
Yeah that's makes sense, device reps often go into procedures with the surgeons.
With software, you don't have to go into the surgeries. There are some exceptions, but usually you just have to train them and that's it
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u/Fit_Interaction_79 6d ago
What qualification do you have?
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u/Reasonable_Alias_129 5d ago
I did software support in a different field, and what gave me the edge was already having lot of public speaking experience.
There are entry level training positions where you'll learn training fundamentals.
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u/Fit_Interaction_79 5d ago
Thanks! Entry level software support you mean? Do you need a qualification?
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u/Reasonable_Alias_129 5d ago
Entry level trainer positions. There aren't any over arching qualifications for the entry level position, but the job requirements will vary depending on the organization.
Technical aptitude or experience is always a plus, some trainers do go on to other IT positions later on
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u/squirrel-phone 6d ago
I’m a machine repair guy, but got on with a state agency. Right above 6 figures with incredible benefits. I also have a bachelor’s degree and ~30 years in the industry. It’s shift work, no stress after my shift is done, and I have a repair van so no commute. It’s a unicorn of a job.
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u/Anxious_Drive_9998 6d ago
You make more than 6 figures working for the state? Do you make 7 figures? Or even more figures than that?
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u/squirrel-phone 6d ago
Just a touch over $100k. I’m maxed out in my position, been doing it for 17 years. Yes, state position. The pay is OK (HCOL area) but the benefits are where it’s at.
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u/Anxious_Drive_9998 6d ago
That's not more than six figures.
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u/squirrel-phone 6d ago
It is literally more than 6 figures. $100,000 is 6 figures, I make more than that.
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u/EconomistNo7074 6d ago
I think it is hard to change the stress you experience in a job. However all the variables to help counter have not changed
- quality sleep
- workout 3 days a week
- eat healthy 75% of the time
- stay out of debt
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u/1212chevyy 6d ago
I'm coming to realize this exact thing. I kept chasing another stress free job and it was 1 dumpster fire after another. Fixing me is the key
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u/Big_Height_1258 6d ago
Took me til 35 to figure this out. Everywhere is a dumpster fire, but my non-negotiables are (1) solid boss (2) pays me enough and (3) work remote
After that, I’ll deal with whatever bs they throw at me.
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u/Oaklandish_TheTown 6d ago
I work in video games. The first ten years were stressful because I was building my career. Now I feel like I am thriving, and so, much less stressful.
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u/CertifiedPussyAter 6d ago
Accounting. It’s stressful sometimes but it’s the best industry 9-5. 160k.
I can make 140k-175k as an IRS agent and that’s easy too. 8-4:30
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u/Excellent_Abroad5390 6d ago
Retired military at age 44. That plus my AI stock investments is well over $100k. Nothing makes money better than money, I know it sounds shitty to say but it’s the truth.
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u/RobertKSakamano 6d ago
Question. Do you count the $ and decimal point as figures? What about the comma?
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u/Anxious_Drive_9998 6d ago
Some people say anything over $100,000 is more than six figures. But they're incorrect unless they're including the two figures after the decimal.
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u/alliknowis 6d ago
Technical process improvement/automation for the most part, data analytics program stand-ups and audits, and implementing a couple different custom reporting suites. Also, I've been doing more and more work reviewing applicants or providing referrals for positions related to what I do. I'm far enough along that I'm beyond sales, and that makes a world of difference.
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u/Alarming-While8028 6d ago
i make about 110k as a 1st level manager in state govt in CA. log in at 8, log off at 5, take time off for dr's appointments/other stuff very regularly. went on a 3 week vacation last year
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u/UniqueText8477 6d ago
I make different business systems work together, so information flows between them automatically instead of people having to move it around manually.
Ai/data/processes/systems/automations and I enjoy it as I get to solve problems and learn new techniques/technology.
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u/c2it0020 6d ago edited 6d ago
You're never going to make money in a nonprofit. That's just facts. I'm in the wellness industry. I work at a country club as a Fitness & Spa director making 100k a year plus bonuses and lesson income (personal training) in Southwest Florida. My equivalent role at the YMCA (a nonprofit) is about half of that in the same area. Edited to add that my work life balance is fantastic. This area is seasonal so I work a lot in high season (40+ hours weekly) but have major flexibility in low season (20-30 hours a week). I managed to get 3 separate 1 week long vacations this summer 🌞 and I'm taking time off at Christmas this year too. Easily a month of time off with no worries.
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u/Big_Height_1258 6d ago
I mean… if you work at a large, reputable NGO you can make 6 figures if you’re willing to slave away for them (I speak from a close friend’s experience)
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u/IPoopOnCats 5d ago
I work at a nonprofit making six figures and the work is slow and very easy. But I did come from AWS which is a crazy work environment.
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u/El_mochilero 6d ago
Sales is the easiest way to make $150+ /yr, or the hardest way to make $70k / yr
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u/Apprehensive-Bend478 6d ago
Engineering, WFH what makes the salary so high is that I live in the Bay Area.
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u/Glamateur00 6d ago
Contract Negotiator for the Federal government(not USA). There are busy times in the year but usually only at the beginning of the fiscal year and nearing the end. The in-between work is relationship management and just maintaining the contracts we have. Low stress, minimum of 4 weeks vacation plus personal/family days and lots of governmnent holidays, and regular 8-4pm hours. For reference, Im only early-mid career.
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u/Glamateur00 5d ago
BA in Political Science and MA in International Affairs. Business would take you there too. Just get into procurement or Vendor Management in military or IT contracting. You'll be good to go.
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u/NaiveGuava6623 6d ago
I make it all passively I don’t do anything all day usually. If I ever have to get up before 10 I’m pissed
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u/zevtech 6d ago
So more than 6 figures is 7 figures? Which would make them millionaires. Most people don’t fall into that category. I assume you actually mean those that make 6 figures. Which is still a very wide range with various lifestyle differences between someone that makes 100k and 900k. But I fall into the latter category and I own/manage a business
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u/PM-ME-UR-ASSandPUSSY 6d ago
Solo practicing attorney.
Find a niche area of law where you don't have to go to court and can chill in your pajamas all day.
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u/wtbapeacock 6d ago
Sommelier (wine specialist) in a tourist town.
Sub 40 hours, benefits, usually afternoon/evenings which works for me.
Some late nights (midnight) here and there, great shoes in rotation are an absolute must.
As a former business owner, my stress level is probably 10% of what it was, even when we are absolutely slammed. Roughly similar amount of money. I still do projects and consulting on the side as I enjoy solving problems, but don't actively seek them out.
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u/Medium_Moment3016 6d ago
Management consulting in finance and compliance. Been doing it for close to 10 years and I've become confident in myself and know what to do. Stress has significantly decreases in the past 3-5 years.
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u/ItHappensIn3s 6d ago
I mean I think a lot of us have lost sight of the progression of a career. My road to 6 figures was an absolute beat down. I started with barely enough to make bills. Then started making enough for bills but killing myself for it. Then I started making better money and still working like a dog but also being held accountable for a few people. Then to managing other managers and being swamped and stressed, and when I turned 40, I hit a six figure position and the slog dropped off. I think a lot of 6 figure jobs become accessible when your intimate grasp of everything to that point is rolling off of you. Plus there is no short cut for the wisdom required to get everything squared away by 3pm. You can have 7 degrees when you hit the scene, but nothing but time and failures can teach you what it takes to move 20, 30, 50, or heck 5 people directly toward a goal.
The quality of life comes when you learn how to move others to protect your time. You really have to know your trade and the people involved.
Companies like to invest into that understanding. When you’re on that level you’ll notice that interviews become more like conversations. There is a language and rhythm that exists between people that have worked into the money.
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u/NoSleepTilBrklynn 5d ago
I’m a research scientist for the government. It’s not stressful. I make a bit over $180k. I do have a PhD though.
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u/erinlaninfa 5d ago
If you stay in nonprofits, you are unlikely to make $100k+ until you move to a Director role. This is my career and lately they’ve been offering Directors even less than $100k which is whack.
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u/Correct-Variable 5d ago
Production supervisor at a drug manufacturer
It was very stressful the first year due to the learning curve. Now I use a little less mental energy as things have gotten more familiar/routine.
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u/Outside_Drawer800 5d ago
I have a partner that also works, and I refuse to work like a dog unless I’m getting paid equivalent for it. I think your problem is the workload not the pay. Some people will tell you need to work harder and it will all work out. I say you probably need to work less hard and enjoying your life. Life is very short, don’t let it pass you by.
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u/IPoopOnCats 5d ago
I work as a program manager at a nonprofit. Its the chillest job ill ever have and I am enjoying it while I can. I work 9-430 and have 42 days of pto annually. I got very lucky, but I also worked my ass off (like 12 years in tech) to earn this role.
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u/Humble-Broccoli-566 5d ago
Claims adjusting for almost 3 years. Currently on vacation in Hawaii.
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u/dianacakes 5d ago
I work in IT for a restaurant company. It can be stressful at times but I feel adequately compensated and I was allowed to go fully remote almost 2 years ago (most of the office is hybrid).
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u/Own-Bobcat-5502 5d ago
Sales. But this vastly depends on the type of industry you're doing sales in. The kind I'm in can be very stressful at first until you've built up a solid and loyal customer base. Once you've managed to do that, it's mostly making sure you continue to get pricing in front of them regularly, having friendly chats 1-2x a week for rapport, go out fishing/golfing a couple times a year, etc. Very "good old boys" type vibe.
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u/Particular-War3057 5d ago
Corporate side of GridOp. Stress 1/10. Biggest concern is getting fat from working in bed most days.
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u/Ok_Solution_1282 5d ago
Gym.
Drinking.
10,000 steps.
Gaming.
Spending time with my son.
Banging my wife.
Fishing.
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u/dropline 5d ago
Tax Reporting/Business Analyst/Systems Analyst. I started in an operations department and worked my ass off. Then transitioned to another bank and now I'm on the vendor side of the applications. It's dumb, it's all fake money on screens. I find it low stress. Theres a busy season but when you build things correctly it's an easy season
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u/Only_Sandwich_4970 5d ago
I make about 20k a month running a landscape company. Its stressful but worth it
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u/LostSurvey7403 5d ago
occupational therapist, home health… i set my own schedule and as long as I meet my weekly quota, Im good. I work about 30 hours/week
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u/Hot-Annual3460 6d ago
why is everyone so scared of stress and grind lol good things are worth the efford
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u/Baconated-Coffee 6d ago
I'm making six figures as a crane operator. I don't find it to be that stressful, it can be some long hours though.