But I dont want to sound rude... any polite and politically correct answer to give?
2007-07-24 07:57:15 · 11 answers · asked by Xlnc 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
"I make enough to get by."
"More than I should, less than I'd like."
"Not enough."
"Does it matter?"
"How is that relevant?"
"As much as I need to."
"How much do you make, let's see who's is bigger."
I have never personally had an issue talking about how much I make. If someone close to me asks, I tell them. If a stranger asks, and it's relevant to the conversation (for example they're trying to determine a reasonable salary for a cost of living issue) I tell them. If a person asks me in a bar as a prelude to chatting me up, I walk away.
It's all dependent on the context of the question. If you're flashy about money, people will assume you make a lot or you're trying to show off. If people are just asking out of curiosity, they're probably trying to compare how they "rank" against you. It's usually people who are just starting their careers who ask those kinds of questions and they're just wondering where they stand in comparison with their peers. It seems somewhat rude, but it's mostly harmless.
If it bothers you, tell them you'd rather not discuss it and just leave it at that.
2007-07-24 08:10:26 · answer #1 · answered by J P 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they are at work most companies prohibit employees discussing their pay, so you could just say you're job could be at risk if you discuss it and anyone reasonable will understand and respect that if you do so politely.
As for your outside friends and others I have always just said that it isn't something I feel good talking about and again most people understand that. I, myself only discuss this with the bank and my employer or a perspective employer. But in the case of a job interview I never discuss it until we get to a place in the interview cycle where it is appropriate, and that is rarely in the 1st interview. If they ask too soon it is weird and really makes me question if they have their act together.
good luck
2007-07-24 08:09:53 · answer #2 · answered by Jon C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here are few things you can say that are probably likely to get a good laugh while still making it clear that you're not going to divulge your private information.
1. "About the same that I made last year."
2. "Not enough"
3. "Far less than I'm worth"
4. "Why? Are you thinking of making a donation? I take cash but no out of state checks please."
5. "How much money do I make? Sorry, I don't do that anymore, since the Feds confiscated my printer."
6. "You're not with the I.R.S. are you?"
2007-07-24 08:22:37 · answer #3 · answered by Tea 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hate that question. Why do people feel the need to be so nosy? The FedEx lady just asked me that yesterday. I just say "enough to get by". It's none of their business if I make enough to get by barely, easily or really well. It's vague enough to work. Tactful people (lol..if they've asked that question they're obviously not that tactful, but maybe they can redeem themselves by catching on quickly) will get it and stop asking, but I've heard stories of people who JUST DON'T GET IT!!!!!!! At that point I think it's totally ok to be rude, obviously there is nothing holding THEM back from it...
2007-07-24 08:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by tragicraspberry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sense of humor is probably the best way to approach this. I would say "It would be a breach of national security for me to tell you". Or "I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you". Or "Donald Trump is still making more money then me".
People are nosey. They will ask anything. But you are under no obligation to disclose it.
2007-07-24 08:11:05 · answer #5 · answered by teacherintheroom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way I have found to answer a question that you don't really want to answer is " why do you want to know?" with a big grin on your face that says you are not telling,it makes people feeel nosey, but the smile makes it less aggresive.
2007-07-24 08:07:19 · answer #6 · answered by SAMANTHA T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pick one:
I do very well for myself, thankyou.
I don't like to brag, so I won't.
I believe that's personal information, but your welcome to share, don't let that stop you.
I'll be glad to share, after you tell me your social security #, & bank account #, I'll be glad to divulge my 6-digit salary...lol..(a little sarcasm with laughter seems corny but break the ice & change the subject).
2007-07-24 08:12:04 · answer #7 · answered by ~Only human~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smile and reply: "I'm sorry, but I don't discuss that with others."
Then change the subject.
2007-07-24 08:06:43 · answer #8 · answered by nowyouknow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With a grin just say, "Not Enough".
2007-07-24 09:51:44 · answer #9 · answered by Sidetracked0260 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "not much"
Say "not much, so don't try to borrow from me".
2007-07-24 20:46:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋