What is "comfortable" living

[Angio]

I want to be able to afford safe/reliable (aka Volvo) vehicles for me and my wife. I want to be able to afford a payment on a medium sized home. I want to be able to purchase property for said home. I want to be able to finance/invest in education for my children. And, of course, I want to be able to have some fun and also pay off my loans.

I actually agree with the above comment; I too am fairly selfless (or so I like to believe), and therefore I like to help people more than make silly purchases.

Own the land I live on, pay for my kids' education, and maybe even start the business I've always wanted to start.

Not doing it for the money =

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[ensuii]

Umm...why do you think this happens??
Why is the divorce rate among married physicians so high??

because usually the kind of people that become physicians are the kind of people that are married to their careers and work a ton

 

[Narmerguy]

because usually the kind of people that become physicians are the kind of people that are married to their careers and work a ton

I wonder how many of those divorces are ones where the women leave the men or when men leave the women (or mutual separation)?

 

[ensuii]

I wonder how many of those divorces are ones where the women leave the men or when men leave the women (or mutual separation)?

That's a good question...not sure if there's any data that can be used to answer it but I'll look into it for you.

 

[astrocreep96]

Comfortable to me would be wiping out my student debt quickly, having a nice house, a handful of cars, and the ability to pursue my hobbies or travel when I feel the need. After 15+ years of post high-school education and sacrificing the prime years of my life to a book, that seems reasonable.

Of course, my tune will probably change post-Obamacare where comfortable will be making only enough to fly under the income ceiling at which point I lose half my income to pay for my patients' healthcare instead of the other way around. Weeee...taxes.

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

Large home (6000+ sq ft/ 6+ bedrooms) with a kick azz pool and plenty of room for my kids to play.

At least one sports car and one "work" car (something along the lines of a BMW 7 series). Of course the spouse needs a car too.

Enough money to vacation at least twice a year and put my kids through college.

Season tickets to my favorite NFL + NBA teams.

Yes I'm going to specialize, and yes I hope/plan to be involved in quite a bit outside of medicine. I want my money to work for me.

 

[vin5cent0]

What will a Lexus do beyond what a Toyota already does? If I have kids, I'll buy each one a used car. If I raise them properly, they won't allow me to finance their entire college education

What will a 3000 sq ft home offer above a 5000 sq ft home? A 42" tv over a 50" tv? A blackberry vs. a "dumbphone"? There just little things in life to make it more pleasant. Have you ever driven a Lexus? Why on Earth wouldn't you buy a nice car if you could easily afford it?

And for what it's worth, I think I was raised better than most, and I find nothing wrong with allowing my parents to pay for my undergrad. What's the point in sitting on money and not spending it? I find it so incredibly annoying when people put themselves on a pedestal when they pay for their own college. What does that teach you? All it does is rack up your debt and give you payments to make after college. Sorry, adding another bill to your pile of bills when you graduate doesn't magically turn you into a more quality person.

 

[xmsr3]

This post cracks me up.

So you want to be a naval doctor so you live comfortably, debt free and retire wealthy.

Wow, inspiring.

Please keep this out of your personal statement. And don't mention it to others anymore, it is depressing.

Ok, now that is messed up.

On a thread that is all about money, where there are plenty of people openly saying they are out to specialize, maximize their income and buy luxury goods, someone who is willing to serve their country for 32 years is given ****?

Perhaps I didn't explain myself well enough but I am not joining the Navy Medical Corp because I think that is the easiest way to get rich. I am joining it because of a deep sense of committment to my ideals, about living in a society that many would consider socialist and yet still offers a great life to those who are willing to make the best of things and roll with the punches life invariably throws at you.

My post was trying to make the point that all doctors in America lead a comfortable life, even those in public service. That is why I pointed out all the financial specifics. In no way was I bragging that "I'm going to be richer than you guys" far from it.

I know damned well that if I specialized and went into the private medical market I could pull in $300K and get crazy rich. But I prefer to live within the military culture, where everyone is given a role to play and in return is guaranteed a good life, (no unemployment, no homelessness, no hunger, everyone gets an education, healthcare and a pension).

At the end of my 32 year career, at the age of 55 I will be able to retire in comfort having known that I lived my principles, served a higher purpose and maximized my potential while still ending up with a 7 figure bank account.

Perhaps I am misinterpreting what Bennieblanco said, but it appears as if he thinks I should be ashamed that, with a committment to savings and decent financial planning, I could both serve my country and come out a multi-millionaire, with a nice mansion in Honolulu, who spends my retirment lounging on the beaches of Waikiki? If that is the case then why the hell should I be ashamed of making that my goal when so many others blatently admit to wanting the same things I do, but are unwilling to serve anything other than their self interest?

 

[Seraph 84]

Being able to pay back a freaking quarter million in school dept in 15 years. Will be interesting to juggle two mortgages in my 30s and 40s.

 

[BennieBlanco]

Ok, now that is messed up.

Perhaps I didn't explain myself well enough but I am not joining the Navy Medical Corp because I think that is the easiest way to get rich.
I am joining it because of a deep sense of committment to my ideals, about living in a society that many would consider socialist and yet still offers a great life to those who are willing to make the best of things and roll with the punches life invariably throws at you.

At the end of my 32 year career, at the age of 55 I will be able to retire in comfort having known that I lived my principles, served a higher purpose and maximized my potential while still ending up with a 7 figure bank account.

Perhaps I am misinterpreting what Bennieblanco said, but it appears as if he thinks I should be ashamed that, with a committment to savings and decent financial planning, I could both serve my country and come out a multi-millionaire, with a nice mansion in Honolulu, who spends my retirment lounging on the beaches of Waikiki? If that is the case then why the hell should I be ashamed of making that my goal when so many others blatently admit to wanting the same things I do, but are unwilling to serve anything other than their self interest?

my bad likely, I rushed to judgment. In the first post it sounded like the sole purpose of your vocation was to become well off and live comfortably.

These are not bad things, but if they are the #1 motivation then it is sad. You sound level headed, good luck.

 

[BennieBlanco]

What will a 3000 sq ft home offer above a 5000 sq ft home? A 42" tv over a 50" tv? A blackberry vs. a "dumbphone"? There just little things in life to make it more pleasant. Have you ever driven a Lexus? Why on Earth wouldn't you buy a nice car if you could easily afford it?

And for what it's worth, I think I was raised better than most, and I find nothing wrong with allowing my parents to pay for my undergrad. What's the point in sitting on money and not spending it? I find it so incredibly annoying when people put themselves on a pedestal when they pay for their own college. What does that teach you? All it does is rack up your debt and give you payments to make after college. Sorry, adding another bill to your pile of bills when you graduate doesn't magically turn you into a more quality person.

lol. I've had the good fortune of having my parents pay for a degree and now paying for my second one alone.

Let me tell you, it is better to have the parents pay!

But at the same time, you tend to take it more seriously and do better when you pay.

Best of both worlds? Take it seriously and perform very well AND have your parents pay!

END RESULT: No debt and better GPA/MCAT

Paying builds a bit of character but character can be built in many ways (so it is by far exclusive).

 

[cardinal2010]

lol. I've had the good fortune of having my parents pay for a degree and now paying for my second one alone.

Let me tell you, it is better to have the parents pay!

But at the same time, you tend to take it more seriously and do better when you pay.

Best of both worlds? Take it seriously and perform very well AND have your parents pay!

END RESULT: No debt and better GPA/MCAT

Paying builds a bit of character but character can be built in many ways (so it is by far exclusive).

I completely agree. Instead of wasting money paying interest on student loans, my parents are paying for my undergrad, and you bet you're ass I'm extremely grateful for that. Instead of working part time, I can follow my passions, do research etc. And when I graduate med school with little debt, that money I saved by not paying off loans can help my folks with their retirement if need be.

Don't get me wrong, I have a great deal of respect for people who work to put themselves through college. However, it doesn't necessarily mean you appreciate it more or take more advantage of your opportunities. Rather it may mean that you are missing out on a lot of what college has to offer.

 

[circulus vitios]

Comfortable living is a 10,000 square foot mansion with Italian granite counter tops, a garage full of drop-top white on white Rolls Royces, and an olympic sized marble swimming pool with my face engraved on the bottom.

 

[Trexate]

I completely agree. Instead of wasting money paying interest on student loans, my parents are paying for my undergrad, and you bet you're ass I'm extremely grateful for that. Instead of working part time, I can follow my passions, do research etc. And when I graduate med school with little debt, that money I saved by not paying off loans can help my folks with their retirement if need be.

Don't get me wrong, I have a great deal of respect for people who work to put themselves through college. However, it doesn't necessarily mean you appreciate it more or take more advantage of your opportunities. Rather it may mean that you are missing out on a lot of what college has to offer.

So by your assumption people who pay their own way can't follow their passions and do research, or take advantage of what college has to offer?

I resent that. And if you honestly think paying for it yourself doesn't make you appreciate it more, that's just naive. People appreciate things more when they are the ones making the sacrifice for it.

 

[BennieBlanco]

So by your assumption people who pay their own way can't follow their passions and do research, or take advantage of what college has to offer?

I resent that. And if you honestly think paying for it yourself doesn't make you appreciate it more, that's just naive. People appreciate things more when they are the ones making the sacrifice for it.

Often when an argument happens, both people are right. This is the case here. You do appreciate things more if you pay for them (this doesn't make it impossible for the guy NOT paying to appreciate it just as much though).

I think the bottom line is:

More time/money = More opportunity

Less time/money = less opportunity

Opportunity does NOT always equal results as someone with little time/money who takes full advantage of it will be better off than someone with TONS of time/money but takes no advantage of it.

With all of this said and having experiencing both paths, you are certainly better off with parents paying for school and spending time doing whatever EC you can that can benefit you. If not, oh well life goes on and you can still achieve all your goals with passion and desire.

Good luck friends. And if anyone's parents want to throw me a few Gs I will forward my address!

 

[BennieBlanco]

Comfortable living is a 10,000 square foot mansion with Italian granite counter tops, a garage full of drop-top white on white Rolls Royces, and an olympic sized marble swimming pool with my face engraved on the bottom.

Plus a french maid to wipe my behind after I use the facilities.

 

[Trexate]

Often when an argument happens, both people are right. This is the case here. You do appreciate things more if you pay for them (this doesn't make it impossible for the guy NOT paying to appreciate it just as much though).

I think the bottom line is:

More time/money = More opportunity

Less time/money = less opportunity

Opportunity does NOT always equal results as someone with little time/money who takes full advantage of it will be better off than someone with TONS of time/money but takes no advantage of it.

With all of this said and having experiencing both paths, you are certainly better off with parents paying for school and spending time doing whatever EC you can that can benefit you. If not, oh well life goes on and you can still achieve all your goals with passion and desire.

Good luck friends. And if anyone's parents want to throw me a few Gs I will forward my address!

You say that people are capable of appreciating free things on the same level as things they have to pay for. This leads to the complete subjectivity of any kind of value placed on something, which you then illustrate by placing more value on ECs than working for your own education.

So which is it? Is the value placed on things and experiences completely subjective, or can one way be better than the other?

 

[ArkansasRanger]

I don't know if I've seen a more vague statement thrown on these boards more often than living comfortably. Anytime physician pay comes up, instantly the board is littered with statements as:

• I don't care how much I get paid, so long as I can live comfortably
  
• No matter what I want to live comfortably
  
• It doesn't matter what happens to doctors' pay, we'll always be able to live comfortably

The way it's used, I'm pretty sure people have pretty different ideas from me of what the heck is "comfortable". Let's stop being vague and coy and just own up to what we mean.

My idea of comfortable living may be different, but I envision comfortable living as being able to pay your bills every month, save a little for a rainy day, invest some for retirement, and deal with whatever comes up be it needing new tires, computer going kapoot, kids needing braces, dog needing surgery, seeing something at Best Buy I want, etc.

 

[BennieBlanco]

You say that people are capable of appreciating free things on the same level as things they have to pay for. This leads to the complete subjectivity of any kind of value placed on something, which you then illustrate by placing more value on ECs than working for your own education.

So which is it? Is the value placed on things and experiences completely subjective, or can one way be better than the other?

Since we are all human beings, it is all subjective. There are only tendencies and probabilities.

If you hang out with drug dealers all the time, chances are you will use drugs. Do you have to? no.

It is absolutely subjective. Here is why. What makes you appreciate something is perspective. BUT does the perspective have to be your own? No.

Do you have to starve to be grateful that you have food everyday? No. But if you have starved it will be more likely that you do. Some people can learn other people's perspectives or experiences and therefore develop an excellent attitude or philosophy.

You can either learn from others or learn it on your own. One can involves years while the other can involve reading a few excellent books.

 

[Dotsin]

Living comfortably:
$300,000-$500,000 house
Being able to take a vacation here and there
saving for retirement
not having to really worry about money(big one)= less stress

Now u can live comfortably w/ much less, this is just my thought on a doctor's salary

Also, I would say that a good portion of the people on here dont know what it is like to live uncomfortably... aka mommy and daddy pay for everything...imho

 

[TehDoc]

1-2 million a year

 

[ensuii]

What will a 3000 sq ft home offer above a 5000 sq ft home? A 42" tv over a 50" tv? A blackberry vs. a "dumbphone"? There just little things in life to make it more pleasant. Have you ever driven a Lexus? Why on Earth wouldn't you buy a nice car if you could easily afford it?

And for what it's worth, I think I was raised better than most, and I find nothing wrong with allowing my parents to pay for my undergrad. What's the point in sitting on money and not spending it? I find it so incredibly annoying when people put themselves on a pedestal when they pay for their own college. What does that teach you? All it does is rack up your debt and give you payments to make after college. Sorry, adding another bill to your pile of bills when you graduate doesn't magically turn you into a more quality person.

I had a pretty humble upbringing...may parents made ~40k in San Francisco with my mom working two jobs. I wanted to go to Columbia/Harvard but opted to go to Berkeley because they gave me a full scholarship. Speaking from personal experience, I think when you've lived a life full of wants and had to work harder than some of your especially affluent peers, you start to harbor some sort of resentment for luxury and people that have it. I know I do. I'm not saying that growing up poor gives you the right to always assume the moral high ground...I fully intend to buy my parents matching Benzs when I become an attending...I'm just trying to offer a different PoV

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

1-2 million a year

It happens all the time. Just have to be willing to bust your azz in med school and continue to do so after residency. Also, it's not that hard to pull down 1 million+ a year if you take advantage of business opportunities outside of your practice. 300K+ a year gives you a lot of money to take advantage of.

 

[longhorn09]

A comfortable living means having a really hot wife.
As long as I have a hot wife, I can make all other comprimises.

 

[Narmerguy]

I fully intend to buy my parents matching Benzs when I become an attending...I'm just trying to offer a different PoV

That might be hard...

 

[longhorn09]

comfortable living: nice car and nice girl

 

[Bacchus]

Living comfortably:
$300,000-$500,000 house
Being able to take a vacation here and there
saving for retirement
not having to really worry about money(big one)= less stress

Now u can live comfortably w/ much less, this is just my thought on a doctor's salary

Also, I would say that a good portion of the people on here dont know what it is like to live uncomfortably... aka mommy and daddy pay for everything...imho

A 300,000 dollar house around where I live would get you a 2 car garage, 4 BR, 2 BA, and probably at least 2,000 sq. ft. A pool also would probably be in the picture.

 

[Bacchus]

A 300,000 dollar house around where I live would get you a 2 car garage, 4 BR, 2 BA, and probably at least 2,000 sq. ft. A pool also would probably be in the picture.

I was off on the pool, but you get 2.1 acres, 4100 sq. ft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.

 

[longhorn09]

A 300,000 dollar house around where I live would get you a 2 car garage, 4 BR, 2 BA, and probably at least 2,000 sq. ft. A pool also would probably be in the picture.

While $300,000 in some places can hardly give you a place to stay.

 

[longhorn09]

I was off on the pool, but you get 2.1 acres, 4100 sq. ft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.

Is it in Pennslyvania? That's kinda nice.

 

[Bacchus]

Is it in Pennslyvania? That's kinda nice.

Yeah, its in the Poconos area.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Large home (6000+ sq ft/ 6+ bedrooms) with a kick azz pool and plenty of room for my kids to play.

At least one sports car and one "work" car (something along the lines of a BMW 7 series). Of course the spouse needs a car too.

Enough money to vacation at least twice a year and put my kids through college.

Season tickets to my favorite NFL + NBA teams.

Yes I'm going to specialize, and yes I hope/plan to be involved in quite a bit outside of medicine. I want my money to work for me.

That's what I'm talking about.

 

[BennieBlanco]

A toilet made of gold

A glass house

on this 1.8 million dollar island (for sale on privateislands.com)

And this 8 million dollar bra worn by Heidi Klum

And this 1.1 milli watch

 

[hoot504]

If I put myself through the additional 7+ years it requires to become a practicing physician, I fully expect to be compensated appropriately. "Living comfortably" would not be what I consider appropriate compensation. I think a lot of you are being very naive in thinking you know what will make you happy 10 years down the line.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

If I put myself through the additional 7+ years it requires to become a practicing physician, I fully expect to be compensated appropriately. "Living comfortably" would not be what I consider appropriate compensation. I think a lot of you are being very naive in thinking you know what will make you happy 10 years down the line.

I think living comfortably is the least we could ask for. With compensation 10 years from now unknown, I'd like at the very least to make enough to have a family and be able to give them an above average lifestyle. This would probably be enough to make me happy, again, at the very least.

 

[Trexate]

comfortable living: nice car and nice girl

Until she divorces you and takes the car with her.

 

[Bacchus]

If I put myself through the additional 7+ years it requires to become a practicing physician, I fully expect to be compensated appropriately. "Living comfortably" would not be what I consider appropriate compensation. I think a lot of you are being very naive in thinking you know what will make you happy 10 years down the line.

You'll be just as upset.

 

[Narmerguy]

If I put myself through the additional 7+ years it requires to become a practicing physician, I fully expect to be compensated appropriately. "Living comfortably" would not be what I consider appropriate compensation. I think a lot of you are being very naive in thinking you know what will make you happy 10 years down the line.

I think a lot of people are equating "living comfortably" with fair compensation. I'm seeing some high value expectations and I hardly believe this satisfies mere comfort but may very well be what people find fair. My point is that "living comfortably" doesn't have to be the wage you expect or want to get paid, many of you may want more than just living comfortably.

There's no way that some of this crap (hyperbole aside) is what you guys think of comfortable living.

 

[Dr Wake N Bake]

I just want a little house on the beach facing the water, high quality toilet paper (the quilted kind), and some premium dank. Not too much to ask.