Averages, medians, top 10%—who cares about that stuff anyway?

I am currently starting my second life.

Ever since I consciously shifted my life away from one spent checking my standing compared to others, toward:
・I am who I am
・I compare myself to no one
・I don't worry about the gaze of others
I have been able to live much more comfortably.

Today's article is written with the theme that
averages, medians, top 10%—who cares about that stuff anyway?

Average Pension Benefit Amount

The old-age basic pension provided by the National Pension is 65,000 yen per month for a person who has paid national pension premiums for 40 years, from age 20 to 60.

Also, the Employees' Pension amount (the standard pension amount including the old-age basic pension for a couple) is 220,000 yen.

I often see angry comments when people hear the average pension benefit amount is X yen, saying, "I'm not getting that much!" What do you think?

Since pensions are paid based on the amount you have paid in so far, you realize it's pointless to complain by comparing yourself to the average, right?

Have you ever lost sight of yourself because you made it a habit to check your standing by comparing yourself to the average? There are things you should compare to the average, and things you shouldn't.

The average pension benefit amount is based on correct calculations; those who paid more receive more, and those who paid only a little receive an amount corresponding to that.

Average Savings Amount

The average financial assets for households with two or more people is 11.39 million yen, and for single-person households, it is 6.45 million yen. The median is 4.19 million yen for households with two or more people and 450,000 yen for single-person households. The median is a lower figure than the average.

When collecting financial information, if only the average savings amount of X yen is announced, there are people who get angry, saying, "A small number of wealthy people are pulling up the average, so publish the median!"

They probably just want to look at the median to feel at ease, as it is closer to reality.

So,
what's the point of feeling at ease?

In the first place, everyone's income, assets, and future life plans should be different. Whether it's the average or the median, it doesn't really matter, but what is the point of reassuring yourself by being in the mass segment near the average?

Average Salary

2024 was a year of excellent spring wage negotiations.
The fact that salaries rose by 5% was in the news.

What is the point of comparing your salary with total strangers?
If you are comparing yourself with colleagues or superiors at the company where you work, there are many common factors, so I can understand making such a comparison.

However, I believe Japan's average salary is meant for grasping the current state of the nation, not for comparing with each individual.

If you have time to complain that your salary is lower than the average based on irrelevant data, there are plenty of ways to become a high earner, so you should just put in the effort.

The target of comparison is wrong.

Japanese people love to compare everything.
Japanese people love being the same as everyone else.
Japanese people think it is okay as long as everything is at the average.

Since it is your own life, I can't help but think you should be thinking about it much more seriously, with yourself at the center.

Even if we concede the point and use a method of checking your own standing by looking at averages or medians, why discuss it using Japan's average?

Currently, the future prospects of the Japanese economy are bleak. The population is certain to decline, and there is no stopping it. In other words, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will definitely continue to decrease.

There are still many countries in the world, centered around the United States, where the population is growing and economic growth can be expected.

I simply do not understand why people try to compare themselves with a sinking Japan. It is like licking each other's wounds.

Unless this way of thinking itself is changed, the future of Japan today is pitch black.

There is a very strong trend among young people to go out into the world, but it feels more like they won't be able to survive anymore unless they leave.

However, I will not be expanding overseas.
The reason is that I believe the sinking ship 'Japan' will still be afloat for the 30 years I have left to live. This ship is a massive vessel, after all, so it won't sink easily.

At least while I am still alive...

Because from now on, I will be at the age where I can fully enjoy the benefits of Japan's social security system that favors the elderly.

What I wanted to say

A life spent checking your own standing by comparing yourself to others is only painful.
That is because you are always looking up and suffering from an inferiority complex.

Since it is your own life,
let's think about it much more seriously, with yourself at the center.

Techniques for living a rich second life
・Be yourself
・Do not compare yourself with anyone
・Do not worry about the eyes of others

With this, you will be able to live a relaxed life.

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