For example, many people may dream of a six-figure salary. But in certain industries, reaching this comes with a huge increase in responsibility or accessibility. For example; if you’re working in the C-suite, or in industries such as finance where global markets are open for long hours, you may need to be available outside of your usual office hours.

There’s also a huge increase in responsibility as the more you earn, the more your employer expects from you. Leadership roles can be both rewarding and demanding and managing the demands requires strong time management skills, effective communication, and a willingness to continuously develop and refine your expertise. Which in turn can often lead to additional pressure and stress.

So how do you navigate these nuances?

Be honest with yourself about how much you want to work

Earning a high salary will grant you the freedom to achieve your financial goals more easily because it provides you with more resources to spend, save and invest in building wealth for the future. But first, you must calculate how much you want to earn and be honest with yourself about what you’re willing to do to get there. 

Put boundaries in place to avoid excessive lifestyle inflation

When you start to earn more money it can be easy for lifestyle inflation to creep up too. After all, why wouldn’t you go to a nicer restaurant? Or buy the more expensive coat? But whilst it’s important to treat yourself, it’s important to determine where that boundary is to ensure you don’t accidentally sabotage your own financial goals. One way to do this is to determine what your financial values are, and then set aside time to establish how you will work towards them. Building a solid financial foundation involves proper budgeting, wise investments, and long-term planning—and time to think about what these look like for you.

Establish the level of work-life balance you need

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy—but some people genuinely enjoy working. Therefore determine where your level of balance lies. For some that may be 5 days working and 2 days off. For others, it’s about having regular breaks throughout the day to recharge in between. Be honest with yourself about where yours is, and try to stick to your boundaries where possible, because the pursuit of success and financial gain may lead to longer working hours and a constant drive to perform at peak levels—but a healthy work-life balance (whatever that looks like for you!) is essential to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being.

Understand that not everyone will understand

When people earn more money there are societal expectations and perceptions that come with it. Practising humility, engaging in philanthropy, and fostering a sense of community can help mitigate negative perceptions and contribute positively to society. However, it’s important to note that society often holds high-earning individuals to different standards and expectations and you’ll find that while some people may admire your success for reaching this milestone, others may harbour resentment or create assumptions about your character. which is why it’s so important to understand that not everyone will understand the nuances that come with a higher salary.

Ultimately, whilst earning a high salary can open doors to a world of opportunities, financial security, and professional growth, no matter how much you earn, it is the holistic approach to success that truly matters. So ensure you take time to look at life beyond the numbers.