Yes, it pays to be an aggressive bastard

Do your co-workers describe you as affable or neurotic? Then be prepared to trail the pack of high earners for the rest of your life.

A new study by researchers from Britain's Institute for Social and Economic Research found that amiable people earn less than those who are more aggressive.

Over time, the difference between amiable and aggressive can be very substantial -- nearly $2,500 a year. Compound that income for a career and the difference at retirement could be a trailer park versus a seashore villa. Yes, it pays to be a prick.

The study examined five personality attributes; neuroticism, amiability, extroversion, conscientiousness, and a willingness to take on new experiences.

Neurotics suffer the same pay shortfall as the amiable, while extroversion and adventurousness pay off very well.. The conscientious fall in the middle of the curve.

In my experience as a misanthrope, extroversion is an important attribute for anyone wishing to excel in the workplace. Aggressiveness, however, can be a double-edged sword. Sure, you may make more while you have the job, but those with like qualities could well be in the lunch room even now, sharpening knives. Et tu?

Thanks, Daily Mail