The paper deals with the relative wage position of employees and examines whether a high status increases individual satisfaction or whether a lack of promotion opportunities reduces satisfaction. The analysis shows that the relationship between relative wage positions and job satisfaction is inversely U-shaped. This is interpreted as evidence that a low status translates into a low benefit, while employees with a high relative status are apparently more concerned about the lack of future career prospects in paid employment. Employees who benefit from status and promotion at the same time are more satisfied with their work. The paper also shows that lower job satisfaction is reflected in considerations about leaving the workplace.