BCBusiness
Real people. Real finances. From six-figure earners to side hustlers, BCBusiness's Money Makers is pulling back the curtain on how British Columbians really make, spend and think about money—no filters, just facts.
At 35, she’s a senior manager in municipal government—a role she moved into after years of feeling underpaid in the provincial system. The higher salary, strong benefits and stability of the public sector have finally given her the breathing room she once lacked.
Yet she’s quick to point out that her experience isn’t universal. “Many people working in the lower levels of the public sector now are at, or near, the poverty line,” she says. “Important policies and programs in our society are being worked on by people who are disgruntled and feel unappreciated… High turnover rates as people exit these underpaid roles are undermining core aspects of the public service and are ultimately not sustainable.”
Her urgency comes from lived experience. Growing up in an immigrant, lower-middle-class household—and later losing a job early in her career—she learned how precarious financial security can be. Now the sole income earner supporting both herself and an unemployed family member, she approaches her finances with discipline and intention. For her, wealth isn’t about status symbols or luxury goods; it’s about community, time and the freedom to support others while building the stable future her family envisioned when they came to Canada.
Do you feel fairly paid for what you do?
Yes, I used to work for the provincial government and did not feel like I was fairly paid in my previous position, especially once I made a lateral move into my current position and increased my annual salary by 20%.
Name one item you splurge on, regardless of your budget.
Books. I try to find books at my local library first, but sometimes I just like to own a book and write all over it.
What’s something you refuse to spend money on?
Luxury goods and high-end brand names for non-practical items. I don’t care about the status symbol and conspicuous consumption aspects of chasing those things.
Do you use a financial advisor, app, spreadsheet—or vibes?
My own spreadsheet.
How has living in your city/neighbourhood impacted your financial choices?
I intentionally chose to live in Burnaby to save some money on housing, especially as I live in an area that is very good for active transportation and for public transit. This enables me to not own a car, which significantly reduces my spending.
Do you ever find yourself concerned about money or financial security? If you’re comfortable sharing, what contributes to that?
Yes, I am concerned about money and financial security given my background as an immigrant from a lower-middle class socioeconomic background, and as a sole income earner responsible for all my bills, including supporting a family member who is unemployed. Likely my personal and family history contributes to these worries, as well as having lost my job unexpectedly once early on in my career.
How, if at all, are you approaching retirement planning right now?
I have a LIRA from a former job and a pension through my current job. I had a sizable RRSP but used a lot of it for a down payment on a condo.
Is there a job you secretly admire for the pay or lifestyle?
I really like my job, to be honest. A job with a higher salary would likely come with more stressors.
How do you define financial success? What does being “rich” mean to you?
Financial success means having enough money to support myself so that I can support others. Being “rich” is not about money, but rather about being rich in time, rich in having people who love you, and rich in freedom to lead a life without constraints.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about work and finances that you think others in your industry could benefit from?
Many people working in the lower levels of the public sector now are at, or near, the poverty line. Important policies and programs in our society are being worked on by people who are disgruntled and feel unappreciated for their contributions. High turnover rates as people exit these underpaid roles are undermining core aspects of the public service and are ultimately not sustainable.
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The BCBusiness editorial team lives for big ideas, bold entrepreneurs and the business stories that make B.C. tick.
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