Everywhere you go these days there’s some technology buzzing with news of this or that. Last night I hopped in a cab hoping for a few minutes of blackberry free relaxation after a week that was so stressful I literally fell asleep waiting for my nails to dry at the salon. Instead I was captured by the in-cab entertainment system showing an ABC News’ report on Single Women Making More Money.
Women make 8% more than men
As a single professional woman, I was still exhausted when my ears perked up to hear that I was now making more (than men). I was also surprised, until I heard the bottom-line. The women making 8% more than men are single, without kids and under 30. My excitement was over as fast as my cab ride.
Why single women make more?
The primary reason is that more women are graduating college; for every 2 men that graduate, 3 women do, which means that more educated women are entering the workforce earlier and faster. Secondary, the experienced female professional population is financially penalized because of their commitment to marriage, kids and aging parents.
Where to find the money
If you’re lucky enough to be under 30, single and free of the little angels that will fuel the next generation, head to one of the coasts. In Los Angeles you’ll be bringing home 12% more, heading over to the Southeast in Raleigh or Charlotte, NC and you’ll be in even better shape at 14% more than your male counterparts. Last and best yet, in the Big Apple, you’re able to pull in a full 17% more than the guys.
From a single professional woman in the (cough, cough) over 30 category, my advice is to enjoy the financial bump now and leverage every bit of it. At some point, your life circumstances will change whether it’s that you choose to get married, have a baby, adopt a child or find yourself caring for an aging parent.
