My best friend has a way higher net income than what I get as total gross income. How can I cope?

[Anonymous]

I come from a country were you pay around 33% of your monthly income as taxes.

Recently I learned that my best friend earns double than me even with taxes removed than I do without taxes beeing removed.

Dont get me wrong I am happy for him because he deserves it, he loves his job and puts a lot of work and effort into it to the point its unhealthy. I on the otherhand work so I can pay my bills and maybe travel once or twice a year, dont really got career ambitions.

Still even if the situation seems clear, I somewhat feel inadequate or less worth in this high discrepancy of income. It doesn't show much yet but there been small gaps forming bec of this. He made new friends and they almost go out eating or drinking at expensive restaurants every day after work or travel toghether to places I simply can't afford. I kinda feel I am loosing him due to my mindset and his change of lifestyle.

[RebelinSteel]

Unfortunately that’s life.

you go to school, make friends and all through school are really close friends, however at 16, some leave and do college, others stay and do 6th Form, others get jobs etc. This then leads to a divergence in friend groups, social groups, income and also new interests.

Overtime that divergence can increase, especially when you have those going to university, getting degrees, then those getting non STEM jobs etc.

With career progression, you will find that everyone’s friends and social groups change over time, however you can still remain friends with school friends but you need to create your own comfort levels, lowest common denominator works best.

[Asker]

Im not a native speaker, what do you mean with lowest common denominator?

[RebelinSteel]

In the way I use it here, it would be say going to restaurants or other places where the lowest paid friend can comfortably afford.
Choosing a venue where it’s not too high end, choose a place you would have when at school etc.

[Anonymous]

You just get one with it or lose the friendship if you can't hack it

I make so little a month as to not pay tax I have a great friend who makes more then my ANNUAL pay in 2 days, we are still friends

[thisAppIsGarbage]

Become a decent person. Once you achieve that coping is unnecessary