Listen: "My parents are forcing me to tell them how much I earn"

Listen to Monday's debate, or read the details under the podcast. 

Money can be a tricky topic of conversation for any individual, and usually, people keep information about what they earn to themselves.

I think people feel strange talking about how much they earn as there is usually a notion that it won't be enough as compared to other people. Also, how much you make shouldn't really matter to anyone else, but to yourself and your significant other - if you're married, that is. 

So why is it the case that some families try to figure out how much you take home at the end of the month? Is it a case of them being nosey, or just concerned? It's a tough line to draw. 

Read: 'I earn double my husband's salary, and he's become jealous'

This is the feeling of a KZN man who shared a voice note telling us how his parents are forcing him to tell them how much he earns. It's an uncomfortable situation, but he does have some valid points.

Listen to his voice note, or read the details under the podcast.

Should your parents or family know how much you earn? Well, I think the answer depends on a few things. 

If your parents are from a culture where children are expected to care for their parents, they will need to know how much (or little) you earn, and to some extent, I think I guess it also depends on how close you are to them. Perhaps you want them to know that you’re doing okay, and it’s a way for them to know your education (which they supposedly helped you pay for) has been beneficial, or not. 

Read: Should government officials reveal their salaries to the public?

How much I earned was never a topic of conversation in my household. I think my parents knew that if I were in a jam, I would say so. But other than that, I was always someone who took care of myself. 

Do you think your family has the right to know how much you earn? I'd love to get your thoughts. Drop them in the comments below.

Main image courtesy of Pixabay/joaogbjunior