I never said that day jobs or boosting cars should pay more than running the Shadows.
I also never said that you should not pay enough for players to advance, or that they shouldn't make more money as they make a name for themselves.
Your typical Runner should make enough to make forward progress but still be needy enough to have to make some hard choices, and continue to run in the Shadows.
You have to strike a balance. That balance should leave them wanting more than they have, in general.
-Jn-
Ifriti Sophst