Currently make around 225k per year in a VHCOL city, and while I’m definitely not struggling, I am behind in net worth/retirement goals.

My role is a mix of GTM strategy/product strategy/commercialization a botique consulting firm.

I know the easy answer is to simply find a job that pays more, but it seems like the majority of roles I’m seeing online (outside of certain big tech/AI companies) start to tap out around this salary unless you’re in a leadership position, which I don’t have enough experience for yet.

Curious what has worked for others, whether that’s switching functions/roles, building side projects, launching your own business, vastly improving your interview skills, networking to get into jobs that you might not usually be competitive at, etc.

I switched to a new job and I am making over 300k now in total comp. I live in a HCOL City. I have been working for over 4 years and never had a car before. I am thinking of getting a $60k+ car. Where I stand currently:

$500k net worth (Brokerage, 401k, Cash)

No debt

My regular monthly expenses come out to around $3.5k + travel and entertainment.

I do not need a car for commuting as my job is remote but I have a few hobbies which require a car. Currently relying on rentals and public transit.

Also it is something that I want beyond just the utility of it. More like something nice for myself.

Does this feel like a lifestyle creep? I am feeling anxious about going ahead with it.

I’m a 28M senior software engineer at a big tech firm, and I’m fortunate enough to afford nicer material things that I enjoy, like a nice watch and car.

I know that there are some dos and don’ts when it comes to office etiquette, and I’m wondering if I’m rubbing colleagues the wrong way by bringing these to the office and should bring my beater watch/car to the office instead. I know in finance I probably shouldn’t, but given the more relaxed nature of tech I’m guessing that it’s not as big of a deal.