I’m a transportation worker in Comox making $79K—I’m always just getting by

At 49, a Comox-based administrative assistant working in transportation is earning the most he ever has—$79,000 a year between a $63,000 salary, $15,000 in side income and $1,000 in passive income—but says it still feels like a grind. Upgrading to a newer home is off the table given real estate prices, and even with careful budgeting, the rising cost of living keeps the household “just getting by.” He prioritizes his child’s private schooling (and dance lessons) as a non-negotiable splurge, while skipping extras like extended warranties on anything under $20,000. 

He doesn’t feel fairly paid, so he’s doubling down on stability: relying on a workplace pension, contributing to RRSPs invested in stocks and banking extra time where he can. His definition of financial success is straightforward—being mortgage-free, building income-generating holdings and an investment portfolio, and saving substantially for his child’s future—so his paycheque isn’t tied up in housing costs. 

• Age: 49 
• Location: Comox 
• Industry: Transportation 
• Role: Administrative Assistant 
• Pronouns: He/him 
• Total annual income: $79,000 

Income 

• Annual salary: $63,000 
• Side income: $15,000 
• Passive income: $1,000 

Do you feel fairly paid for what you do? 

No. 

Name one item you splurge on, regardless of your budget. 

My child’s (private) schooling (and dance lessons) 

What’s something you refuse to spend money on? 

Extra warranty coverage on items under $20,000 in value 

How has living in your city/neighbourhood impacted your financial choices? 

It hasn’t changed, except that budgeting for another mortgage or a newer home has become unaffordable in Western Canada. 

Do you ever find yourself concerned about money or financial security? If you’re comfortable sharing, what contributes to that? 

Yes, we’re always just getting by, even though I’m making the most I ever have — with the cost of living now, it’s a struggle. 

How, if at all, are you approaching retirement planning right now? 

Depending on RRSP stock account and pension.  

How do you define financial success? What does being “rich” mean to you? 

To be mortgage-free and have additional income-generating holdings and an investment portfolio — enough that I wouldn’t need to put my pay toward a mortgage and could save substantially for my child’s future. 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned about work and finances that you think others in your industry could benefit from? 

Work somewhere with a pension, bank extra time, and contribute to an investment that grows over the years until retirement. 

Want to share your money story with BCBusiness? We want to hear from anyone living and working in B.C.—regardless of your role, experience or background. Take our short, anonymous survey here!