The art to getting a high pay is not so much a high starting
pay, but well-timed, strategic and usually frequent leaps to higher
paying jobs.
Precisely! My very first job was just $900. Gritted
my teeth, gained as much hands-on experience as I could, at the
opportune moment, switched jobs and got paid $1,100. Stayed
and gained as much experience as I could to make my CV look even
better, changed jobs again and got $1,300. All the while, I
attended various courses and night classes. In fact, out of
seven years in the corporate world, I was attending night classes
for five years. 
I always improved my skills and qualifications and always kept
an eye out for better career opportunities. I think the
largest increment I got for changing jobs was $600. 
I used to sieve through CV from job applicants and honestly,
holding a job, ANY job, is much preferable to being idle for months
and years just cause one couldn't find the 'right' job. That
speaks volumes about attitude. It's better to keep busy, than
to just stay idle and non-productive. One can always pick up
skills in any job one takes on.
