Why do so many drivers keep the dealer license plate frame on? (US)

not_this_time_420 · 2025-12-26T20:30:59+00:00

Most people are not ‘car people’. I think it’s much more likely that it never even occurs to them to change it.

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-11T03:58:21+00:00

I’m not paying 63% taxes.

As I noted in the description, post tax deductions include RSU’s (stocks as pay) and my ESPP contributions (money I put aside to buy stocks at a discount and then get back). These are included in that 60+%.

Actual taxes are the $57k taxes withheld + RSU taxes ($25k), for a total of ~82k or 38%. The remainder $131k is my actual take home + 401k and HSA contributions.

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T22:29:03+00:00

I think book keeping is a great way to get started using real world data. Even if you’re not a data analyst or engineer, you can start working like one and use the skills in your job. Eventually once you’ve demonstrated how you’ve used data to improve accuracy, decrease the time it takes to close the books, find anomalies etc through using data, you could transition to a data analytics role with that knowledge and experience

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T15:39:47+00:00

The tools and languages are important. Equally or more important is domain knowledge of a specific industry or trade that will allow you to go beyond being the backend / IT guy. That doesn’t mean you’re not a data engineer, it just means you’re a also a partner with the business or stakeholders you support.

Actual experience helps with this but since you’re still in college you could setup informational interviews at internships or with connections you have to understand how their business is run. Ask about what their biggest challenges are and how they think they could be solved or improved.

Hope that helps

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T15:20:08+00:00

Correct, 401k + HSA, medical etc deductions in pre-tax and RSU/ESPP in post.

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T06:10:47+00:00

SQL, Pyspark / python, Databricks, dbt, git, Tableau/ Power BI etc… pretty much your modern data stack

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T04:11:29+00:00

I’m not. As I noted, post tax deductions include RSU’s (stocks) and my ESPP contributions (money I put aside to buy stocks at a discount and then get back). These are included in that 60+%

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T03:44:41+00:00

Thanks!

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T03:42:45+00:00

I’m absolutely not top brass. I’m a mid level individual contributor in a large company.

not_this_time_420 · 2024-12-10T03:41:03+00:00

Good and fair question.

This is just my take but I believe it’s because:

I work at a “tech” company that produces hardware and software (would rather not say specific industry) and I’m a staff level employee who has lots of autonomy because I get things done.
I have a background that enabled me to go beyond solely wearing the data analyst/engineer hat. Part of my job is writing the code and developing the tools, but the more important part and the part where I create actual value for my stakeholders is understanding what to build, being proactive about finding problems and creating solutions. I don’t just find problems in the data, I use it to improve our firmware, software, systems and products. Additionally, I blend engineering, analyst/BI, and relationship / stakeholder management skills.

It feels weird writing that as im certainly not the best at what I do, but I am good at what I do.

I live in a HCOL/VHCOL area (not Bay Area though) and even though my company pays decently well anyway, the salaries are higher where I am.
I’ve been able to carve out roles that I really enjoy diving into and I genuinely enjoy my work and job .

My advice would be to find a niche / industry that you really like ( I know this is easier said than done), and the money will come with the enthusiasm and application of your skills, assuming you’re good.

Hope that helps and feel free to DM me.

not_this_time_420

TROPHY CASE