Expectations are always different then actual reality. You always want to make more then you spend and have some to put away for retirement. Making enough money to pay for the things that you really need in your life.
What is it that you really need in your life? This is different for everyone. Not everyone values the same things in life and everyone has different needs and priorities. Thais not to say that things are not getting done and you are not living your best life but things are different to everyone.
Spending money on name brands is definitely different for everyone. Some people may think that the neighborhood department store products work just as fine and you do not need to get the more retail price from the specialty shops that are out there. Some would disagree. Getting higher class products can work better for some not it may not have full value to other. Clothes and makeup are very specific to some people.
I think the more experience you get the more money you should get paid. Some have the drive to find that well paid position where you are constantly trying to get the higher paid position. Trying to work your way up the corporate ladder so to speak.
Earn as much to make what you want to happen. You can do anything that you want. If you want to travel, then figure out a way that you can do that. If you want to go back to school or want to to take some classes then find a way to do what you want. Do not let money get in the way of you getting what you truly want out of life.
Finding a way to find what is important in life is very important. I believe that once you plan out what you want you can get your fiances in order to be able to do what you want. Get your money to work for you. Some times its those moments in life that truly define who we are in life. Make the best decisions in life to be the best you.
Isn't it in life that you are always something for something. If its not for something in the near future then a few years from now? Wouldn't it be nice if you could just get paid to do what you want in life? If you had the money to 'fix' the problems you have now would you just want for more then?
Everyone has different opinions of where you should be in life at certain times. You are exactly where you should be in life, after all it is a result of everything that you have done up to this point. Money isn't everything. You can be just as happy with it as you can be with out it. Joy is joy.
Have your expectations in life changed? Have you aligned things to help you out in the future like investments? Do you have any debt? How much debt is to much debt? Perspectives are different for everyone.
Exceptions can changed and they are allowed to. Make sure that your decisions that you are making in life are a true reflection of who you are in life. Save, earn and spend to your own desire!