Even since young, we have been constantly comparing ourselves (or been compared) with our peers. But honestly, 人是不平等的，除了我们的灵魂和生命以外。Timing, opportunities, network etc. all hugely affect your career achievement, and your salary. Put an good example, in last decade, beginning salary for IT fresh undergraduate changed from 3000 around to 2000 or below, then back to 3000. But i don't think the average quality of those students change that much every year!
I think you should not compare you or your pay to ppl in same age (though it’s seems a very simple and intuitively way). This peer comparison only gives you a relatively mark but nothing more (like an very innaccurate GPS, some information, but don't rely on it). It’s probably better or more objective to compare with the same you 2 years ago or 4-5 years ago.
Think another way of the same current pay number. if one start with 2000+ and double your pay in last 5 years w/o jumping much, then, I would say he/she did a good job with around 14-15% per annual pay increase. But if one start with 3000 or even more, he/she prob need to think why only had 6-7% pay increase when sg econ has been booming.
My theory is, as long as you are improving everyday, or constantly strive to improve all the time, you will reach what you want, despite whatever possible setbacks in between. Your current status is important, but the direction is even more important. If you think you are really on the right track to achieve your goals or success (this is the hardest question or issue), then why bother whether you are paid 20% less in between during some years…
Ps. I might be a little bit idealistic on the thory, but I do think there is a very good chance it might work in long term.
And if you haven't change job since beginning, and think you are underpaid. then 通常来讲，换工作是王道。新加坡4季失业率仅仅2%多一点，not bad market.
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