You shouldn't give a rat's ass if your income offends people. Never apologize or feel bad because someone else is below you. Nor should you feel bad if someone is above you. You should only feel bad if you're not doing well by your own standards.
I made a bit over $70,000 last year, but this year I'm not going to make shit. I was unemployed for most of the year. I'll probably only clear $30,000.
But I also started trading options this year (while I was unemployed). My goal is to increase my account by 10% each and every month, compounded. Which'll be an annual growth of 183%. If I can even hit 50% of that goal, I'll get my Series 7 and start a hedge fund.
So far, I hit my goal for the first month (September) + 2% (12% total).
I'm also starting a web design company.
This next year will likely be between $75,000 - $100,000, not counting option trading. If I hit my trading goal, the following year will be a banner year...to put it mildly.
Even if you break even you're still beating the shit out of the market