Fictional Finances: Michael Scott from “The Office”
Watching “The Office” is filled with painful moments for viewers, many of which revolve around the Scranton, Penn., branch’s regional manager, Michael Scott. Scott manages to both alienate and endear himself to viewers and his employees, often in the same episode. Unfortunately for him, it isn’t only his professional and personal life that is in need of assistance — his financial situation is disastrous, too. Are his financial situations realistic? And if so, how did he get this far gone?
Who is Michael Scott?
The regional manager of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch, Scott is known for his socially awkward and often inappropriate behavior. But you can’t help but feel bad for the guy, who’s heart is often in the right place, even though he doesn’t know how to act. Though his salary specifics are never mentioned, it’s reasonable to expect that someone in his position, without a college degree, might make in the realm of $70,000. It’s likely that All Business School’s estimate of $84,000 is a bit high, especially considering the perk of a company car and the fact that Scott does not have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, as they assume. We also know that Scott briefly made a comparable salary to warehouse director Darryl. Scott ’s financial troubles come to a head in Season 4, where he admits to his staff that he is in financial trouble and is considering declaring bankruptcy.
How did Scott get into financial trouble?
Scott’s salary of approximately $70,000 is a high one for the Scranton region, according to Simply Hired , which places the Scranton average salary at just under $29,000 a year. In addition, Scott’s only real investment appears to be his condominium, which he purchased in Season 2. However, he has repeatedly stated that he has no investments and no money saved. In addition, he regularly splurges, spending money on office gatherings that are unauthorized by the company, improv classes, and using his credit cards to treat office employees to lunches and special items from Victoria’s Secret.
Scott’s financial situation didn’t get dire, however, until his unemployed girlfriend, Jan, moved in with him, intent on spending his money left and right. Their financial situation was so bad, Scott had to take a second job to make ends meet. It culminated in help from employee Oscar, who helped him with debt consolidation.
Did Scott learn the error of his ways?
Though his financial situation, credit card debt, and money mismanagement came to a head in Season 4, it doesn’t appear that Dunder Mifflin’s regional manager has managed to get his financial situation back on track. After debt consolidation, Scott would have been wise to all but eliminate his credit card spending. Yet, we regularly see him spending money.
With Scott mismanaging his money left and right, viewers are reminded that even those with secure jobs and decent salaries run the risk of credit card troubles if they don’t watch their spending and live within their means.
