Alice Raspin shared her views on this topic in a viral TikTok video, asserting that ‘wages that don’t match inflation are out’ by 2025, implying that one should move on from such jobs.
The 28-year-old from Australia stated: “I’m sorry but I’m not doing anything for AUD$60,000 ($37,000) a year. As a 28-year-old living in the capital city with one child I rent and we are saving for a home. How do people expect to compensate someone 75 hours a fortnight for AUD$60,000? What bills am I paying with that?”
@aliceraspin I don’t care how much you make, if it’s less than $60,000 a year get a new job tbh #nobuy #nobuyyear #nobuy2025 #underconsumptioncore #budgeting #budgetfriendly #2024wrapped #budgetingforbeginners
Raspin further commented that any company offering a position with a $37,000 salary is ‘dreaming’ if they believe it is an adequate income for an employee.
“I don’t care how much you make, if it’s less than AUD$60,000 ($37,500 USD) a year get a new job.”
Following her viral video, Raspin discussed her perspective with News.com.au.
She mentioned that such a wage might be ‘suitable’ for younger individuals in their early twenties with minimal responsibilities who live with roommates or at home. However, she believes it is not suitable for older individuals.
She explained: “While we don’t struggle to afford anything, we’ve had to sacrifice a social life in order to pay bills, save for a house and pay for day-to-day expenses.”
In the comments section of Raspin’s video, a supporter stated: “I 100 percent agree with you Alice. I don’t even think $80k a year is a liveable wage. Try attempting to pay off a uni degree also. It is a disgrace.”
Meanwhile, a dissenting voice suggested: “If you can’t make ends meet you need to readjust your spending habits.”
The September 2024 update from the Australia Wage Price Index indicated that the consumer price index saw a 2.8 percent increase, whereas wage growth was higher at 3.5 percent.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported: “In the September quarter, seasonally adjusted wages rose 0.8% for the third consecutive quarter, and 3.5% over the year.”
“This was the lowest annual rise for the series since December quarter 2022 and followed four consecutive quarters of annual wage growth equal to or above 4%.”