My biggest shock was during my first internship during college making $30 &#x2F; hour at an enterprise software company.  For background: I went the community college &#x2F; go-get-a-degree-in-your-late-20s-route in life, living off nearly minimum wage for many years before going to CC.<p>The first paycheck comes after two weeks, $1800 after taxes and withholding.  I am in awe of how much money I suddenly have in my bank account.  My fellow students who were interning instantly started complaining about the tax rate and how they wouldn&#x27;t be able to afford SF rent <i>and</i> the lease payment on a sports car.