Brisbane Executive Assistant Sparks Debate Over Salary
A young Brisbane woman has recently caught the attention of many Australians after revealing her annual salary of just over $60,000 in her role as an executive assistant at an architecture firm. This revelation has prompted widespread discussion and curiosity regarding how one can manage financial stability on such an income.
During a street interview conducted by Getahead, a jobs application, the woman explained her duties as an executive assistant, which involve ensuring the smooth operation of the office, alongside her work in studio assisting—a specific term used within architecture firms. This role typically serves as an entry point into the architecture field, a path the woman is keen to pursue after studying interior design.
She expressed a positive outlook on her job and suggested it could be an excellent opportunity for those with a creative flair looking to enter the industry. Highlighting the long journey ahead for university students, she recommended that internships could greatly benefit aspiring professionals.
The video of her interview has garnered thousands of views, with many viewers questioning how she manages to live on her current salary. Comments on social media suggest scepticism about her financial viability, with some speculating she may still reside at home or is on the brink of advancing in her career.
Critics have also pointed out that her salary falls short of industry standards, especially when considering that job platform SEEK reports that average salaries for executive assistants typically range from $85,000 to $105,000. Some viewers have encouraged her to aim for higher earnings, linking her current salary to the broader concerns about remuneration within the industry.
Despite her income resembling the typical salary in Australia, where the average full-time wage is around $104,765 annually according to the Grattan Institute, many believe a good income should exceed this figure considerably. A recent Finder survey indicated that respondents consider a "good" salary to start at approximately $152,775 annually, a notable increase from what was once seen as a comfortable threshold of $100,000.
This evolving perception ties into the current economic climate, where inflation and rising property prices are impacting Australians’ views on financial stability. Sarah Megginson, a personal finance expert from Finder, noted that having a sufficient income isn’t solely about the number on a paycheck. It’s equally about personal spending habits, financial management, and how well one’s income aligns with lifestyle aspirations.
Megginson further illustrated that two individuals earning vastly different salaries can experience similar levels of financial stress or control, depending on their circumstances and management strategies.
As financial discussions surrounding wages and living standards continue to unfold, the experiences shared by the Brisbane executive assistant serve as a reflection of the challenges faced by many Australians in a volatile economic landscape.
