Is it rude to ask someone how much they earn?

[nLinked]

Is it rude to ask someone how much they earn? I mean anyone in general (i.e. stranger, coworker in another dept who you spoke to only a few times and know their role but are not close freinds, just general people). Please vote.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Yes.

 

[rudeguy]

you talking a stranger on the bus? Your boss? Your father in law?

It kind of makes a difference...

 

[Capt Caveman]

Is it rude to ask someone how much they earn? I mean anyone in general. Please vote.

How much do you earn?

 

[JulesMaximus]

you talking a stranger on the bus? Your boss? Your father in law?

It kind of makes a difference...

No, it really doesn't make a difference. Unless you're 8 years old and asking your father or mother, it is almost always rude.

 

[Modular]

How much do you earn?

$11,000


























Per day

 

[Bl0cks]

Somebody is a rude gus.

 

[chalmers]

OP, how much do you earn?

 

[JulesMaximus]

$11,000

Per day

[cough] **BULLSHIT** [cough]

 

[rudeguy]

No, it really doesn't make a difference. It is always rude.

not always

I'm a commissioned salesman. My coworkers and I compare commissions every pay period.

 

[chalmers]

not always

I'm a commissioned salesman. My coworkers and I compare commissions every pay period.

Which cell phone kiosk at the mall do you work at?

 

[KeithTalent]

Is it rude to ask the length of someone's penis?

KT

 

[blinblue]

Its rude for all the same reasons that its rude to ask about other information that is often associated with one's identity/self-worth (weight, sexual orientation, medical issues, debt, etc). Asking questions like that out of the blue will seem like you are judging the other person.

But with people you know, and in the right context, its fine to talk about such things. For example I don't mind in the slightest talking about how much I earn with my family or close friends. The same way I would be comfortable talking about my weight or sexual orientation with close friends/family.

 

[Scouzer]

yup.. very. I find most people who want to share will offer it.

That said, it's equally tacky to share when you're not asked if you make the most in the room. If you're average it's not a big deal.

 

[Modular]

[cough] **BULLSHIT** [cough]

:awe:

 

[SKORPI0]

Is it rude to ask the length of someone's penis?

KT

Don't ask, don't show. D:

 

[rcpratt]

Voted no to be unique.

 

[SSSnail]

[cough] **BULLSHIT** [cough]

He could be telling the truth, he didn't say in which currency.

 

[AreaCode707]

Yes, absolutely. You never know what kind of awkward spot you're putting the other person in. Do they make very little and you're making them self-conscious? Do they make a lot and now they're afraid you'll hit them up for money? In either case the consequence of you knowing their income gives them a potentially legitimate fear that you'll treat them differently.

And then again, there's my coworker who kept pestering me about how much I made. We did totally different jobs and I made more than twice he did (I know because he kept telling me how much he made), but he didn't understand my work and assumed it was about the same stuff he did. That could have created a problem for me at work up to and including being fired if I had disclosed it, so I refused to share the info and he got all pissy at me and it affected our working relationship.

So just don't ask unless you're assisting the person with financial planning, a career move, or something where that information is truly relevant.

 

[rudeguy]

Which cell phone kiosk at the mall do you work at?

its much worse than that....

I work for a major cable/internet provider.

 

[chalmers]

its much worse than that....

I work for a major cable/internet provider.

Oooh I see. My condolences.

 

[jhu]

Depends if the person being asked can give a convincingly false answer or not..

 

[Brigandier]

Are you asking because you're curious or are you asking because it matters?

One is rude and the other is only mildly ignorant.

 

[spidey07]

It's more rude than asking the fat chick in the elevator when the baby is due.

 

[rudeguy]

Oooh I see. My condolences.

:hmm:

I liked celling phones. I actually got to hand the customer something tangible and watch them enjoy it. I only hear from my customers now if something goes wrong and they manage to get me out of the thousands of reps we have when they call back.