ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

TikToker Aydan Al-Saad Wants Gen Z to Talk Openly About Salaries; Here's why That Matters

Embark on Aydan Al-Saad's wage transparency revolution, dismantling income taboos and sparking conversations to bridge the pay gap.
PUBLISHED JAN 6, 2024
TikTok | Getty Images
TikTok | Getty Images

In the bustling streets of Cardiff, plasterer Macaulay Preece found himself unexpectedly sharing his annual earnings with TikTok influencer Aydan Al-Saad. This encounter was no ordinary exchange but part of Al-Saad's mission to remove the cloak of secrecy surrounding salaries and to talk about income transparency. Through his viral videos, the TikToker seeks to encourage transparency around earnings, believing it to be a crucial step towards achieving equal pay.

Pexels | Photo by Pixabay
Pexels | Photo by Pixabay

Al-Saad approached Macaulay Preece, a 23-year-old plasterer, and popped the question about his earnings that many would shy away from. In a surprisingly candid response, Macaulay revealed that he could make anything between $6,300 to $25,200 a year, depending on the job or contracts, and that clarity was what Al-Saad was hoping for.

Aydan's approach aligns with a growing trend among the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, who are more inclined to share salary information. According to a 2022 YouGov survey, 42% of Gen Z in the US have willingly shared their income details, fostering a culture of openness that can empower individuals in their professional journey.

Pexels | Photo by Ksenia Chernaya
Pexels | Photo by Ksenia Chernaya

While Al-Saad's street interviews garner millions of views, the push for pay transparency is not limited to social media. Companies like tech firm Rock are embracing the concept by creating a pay transparency "wall." Its founder Rob Dance believes that transparency empowers employees, providing them with a clear understanding of their position and potential for growth. Rob Dance expressed, "It's more than a policy, it's a commitment to fairness and equity in the workplace." This commitment extends beyond Rock's internal practices, as the company plans to publish all roles and salary bands.

Pexels | Photo by Ruslan Burlaka
Pexels | Photo by Ruslan Burlaka

Among individuals from diverse professions who shared their earnings and perspectives, was Sara Redwood, a food bank administrator, who emphasized the value of meaningful work. She stated that her net pay last month was $1700, and she sleeps peacefully knowing she isn't doing anything against her values. On the other hand, Paul Davies, a bus driver with 22 years of experience, challenged the fairness of his $37,800 annual wage, considering the responsibilities and challenges bus drivers face. Nasrah Asghar, an audiologist, highlighted the rewarding nature of her commission-based job, where annual earnings can reach $63,000.

Al-Saad believes that the reluctance to discuss money has contributed to an unhealthy relationship with finances since money is seen as a taboo. His street conversations aim to dismantle this taboo, allowing individuals to assess if they are being compensated fairly.

Pexels | Photo by Lê Minh
Pexels | Photo by Lê Minh

Beyond individual revelations, Al-Saad's mission also addresses broader societal issues. The gender pay gap remains a persistent problem, with the Fawcett Society projecting that it won't close until 2051. The CEO of the Fawcett Society advocates for pay transparency as a crucial step in empowering women to challenge unequal pay. Al-Saad's own journey began as a response to witnessing gender and race pay gaps during his HR career, and his unconventional approach to breaking wage taboos is more than just a series of viral videos. It's a movement towards openness, equality, and empowering individuals to know their worth. Aydan continues to spark conversations on the streets, one revelation at a time, as he hopes to inspire change and challenge the norms that keep pay figures hidden in the shadows.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The guest had no idea about the item being a Tiffany product and being embedded with a rare gem.
9 hours ago
The host was baffled by the goof up that the contestant made between two words.
10 hours ago
Carey showed that he has got the weapon of sarcasm, and he isn't afraid to use it.
11 hours ago
Whatever the host was expecting, it was far away from what the contestant said on national TV.
12 hours ago
The guest was surprised to learn more about the item he had actually found on the street for free.
14 hours ago
After going through everything on the board, the player left Harvey in hysterics with his answer.
1 day ago
As it so turned out, the weird-looking floor lamp was a piece from a very famous studio.
1 day ago
Most contestants were consistently getting the answers wrong, and Harvey was worried about what was next.
2 days ago
Some claimed that they got the puzzle despite English being their second language.
2 days ago
The letter was written to a columnist in response to a piece taking a swipe at Sinatra.
2 days ago
In a special episode of Celebrity Family Feud, a WWE star decided to go for the one thing Harvey is known for.
2 days ago
Luck was shining for her as she was off to a flying start and won the car with a single card.
2 days ago
Sajak had a witty reply for the contestant who was fanboying over White during the game.
5 days ago
The model said that considering White's age she would also take the offer from Sony.
5 days ago
Sheila won a brand new entertainment unit, complete with an HD plasma TV and mini bar from Howard Miller.
6 days ago
The appraiser disclosed that Yoakum began painting in the 1960s and he created one unique piece of art every single day.
6 days ago
The entrepreneur also managed to get the sharks to taste the vegan alternative meant for pets.
6 days ago
Throughout the game Monica tried to calm her nerves by placing her right hand over her chest.
7 days ago
Harvey later realized that the contestant had a crush on him and they had a moment.
7 days ago
The host had warned the men in advance to not risk their marriage for some points.
Mar 24, 2025