Six figures ain’t what it used to be

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Let’s be honest—$100,000 used to feel like the finish line.
Now it’s barely keeping up.

Rising costs, stagnant wages, and lifestyle inflation have made one thing clear: it’s not just about the number anymore. It’s about what your career gives you access to—freedom, stability, time, or something bigger.

In today’s issue, we’re focusing on careers and companies that are helping people move toward real financial power—whether through compensation, ownership, or flexibility.

Because money alone isn’t the win. Alignment is.

Brightwheel is hiring this week, and while it’s a small team, they’re solving real problems—and that kind of work compounds in ways most jobs don’t.

We’re also watching trends in AI, education tech, and flexible workforces. Layoffs may be making headlines, but there’s still hiring happening in high-growth pockets. You just need to know where to look.

Three High-Paying Jobs Hiring Now:

1. Product Manager, Payroll – Remote Restaurant 365 _{$116,000 -174,000}
   

2. Senior Customer Support Lead – Remote - Nova Credit _{$113,050 - $137,700}
   

3. Game Economy LiveOps – Remote - Big Time - Negotiable
   

   
   Six figures used to mean luxury.
   Now it means stability.
   But what’s still true: the best opportunities are going to those who position themselves for them—intentionally.

If you’re looking to shift into a better-compensated, better-aligned role this year, now’s the time to start pulling the levers that move you closer.

Career Tip: How Much Do You Actually Need to Earn?

Before negotiating salary, calculate your real income target—not just your dream number, but the one that makes life work.

Here’s a quick formula to ground your ask in facts:

1. Add up your fixed monthly costs (housing, insurance, loans, etc.)

2. Add your savings/investment goals (e.g., $500/month into IRA or emergency fund)

3. Add your lifestyle priorities (childcare, travel, healthcare, etc.)

4. Multiply that monthly total by 1.3–1.5 to account for taxes, inflation, and buffer

5. Multiply again by 12 to get your realistic annual salary target

Then consider benefits:

• 401(k) match? Subtract a few thousand from your out-of-pocket goals

• Employer-covered health care? That’s worth $10–20K a year in real terms

• Remote work? Saves you commuting and wardrobe costs

Once you’ve done the math, you’ll walk into negotiations knowing your floor—and what makes an offer actually worth it.

When asking for more:
Try this line:

Clarity is power. Most people don’t lose offers for negotiating. They lose them for not knowing what they need in the first place.