You're forgetting the part where 20 years ago controllers that got in have to contribute significantly less to their pension and the salary in relation to purchasing power was far higher than it is now.My point is: save your cash, invest in income generating or appreciating assets. Contribute as much as possible to every tax-advantaged account. Marry a thrifty Asian woman who also works. And get a lvl 12 Z close to home and live with the parents until you check out (this was a toss up in prior years, but is MUCH more achievable nowadays with the new placement rules).
Yes, we are underpaid although I don't feel it quite as much at this point in my career. Honestly I'm more pissed about that our area is paid the same as the fat-staffed area across the hall doing easy light traffic with thicc juicy breaks and actual leave available.
You could double our wages (I wouldn't complain) and half the Z would still be financially strained based on the stupid shit I see on a daily basis.
Obviously living within your means and being smart with your money is a good strategy, but I could do that on 50k a year too. What this career is supposed to provide and should provide is far greater than what it is currently providing.
Controllers that only have a few years in are currently struggling massively under normal conditions and then you through in missing 96+ hrs of pay and a lot will have trouble making rent or paying credit cards. This job is literally driving people into credit card debt rn and our union doesn't care.
