8 replies to this topic

[domnule alb]

It is established that Bond was a member of the Royal Naval Reserves during his military career. This begs the question: what did Bond do to supplement his income? I can't recall any references to other employment in his past life. Given his expensive tastes, Bond would need far more than the money a Reservist makes. Is this explained away as coming from wealth, or did Bond hold a "dayjob"? What do you think he would have been?

[Zographos]

Going all the way back to Fleming, Bond was a person who lived as if he would die tomorrow. His objective was to die with as little money in his bank account as possible. Therefore, he has a few objects of fetishism (cars, golf, etc.) that displace other aspects of his life (a sparse flat, for instance).

That, and a bit of fantasy is of course involved.

[Binyamin]

Gambling winnings. Didn't you see how he acquired the priceless DB5 in Casino Royale?

Also, a highly-ranked 00 Agent probably makes a nice income. For example, an FBI Special Agent with experience and seniority can make a salary of $100,000+. Not bad, when you're single. Bond would certainly be at this level, if not higher. There are many FBI Special Agents and only a handful of 00s.

Many of Bond's everyday expenses are picked up by the government expense account. Cars he uses, expenses in the field, etc. He keeps only a small apartment. He's not exactly saving for retirement, since he doesn't believe he'll live that long. The extra money goes to his lifestyle.

[Major Tallon]

In Moonraker, Fleming provides us with detailed information regarding Bond's income:

"He earned £1,500 a year, the salary of a Principal Officer in the Civil Service, and he had a thousand a year tax free of his own. When he was on a job he could spend as much as he liked, so for the other months of the year he could live very well on his £2,000 a year net."

[Captain Tightpants]

It is established that Bond was a member of the Royal Naval Reserves during his military career. This begs the question: what did Bond do to supplement his income?

Is this really that important? It's not exactly a massive plot hole ...

[AMC Hornet]

This is what happens while we wait for legit Bond #23 news...

[domnule alb]

Perhaps I wasn't totally clear in the topic opening. I'm referring to his income prior to becoming a Double-O. Do you think it plausible that Bond would have held another job (banker, professional gambler) to fill his weekdays?

Although, I do like the thought that he filled his days womanizing and gambling.

It is established that Bond was a member of the Royal Naval Reserves during his military career. This begs the question: what did Bond do to supplement his income?

Is this really that important? It's not exactly a massive plot hole ...

Not asking would've annoyed me the rest of the week

[Captain Tightpants]

Yeah, it is a little bit slow around here.

[AMC Hornet]

...An FBI Special Agent with experience and seniority can make a salary of $100,000+... Bond would certainly be at this level, if not higher. There are many FBI Special Agents and only a handful of 00s.

You're comparing apples and oranges here. Senior FBI agents work for a government department with a lot more more at its disposal.

Every time 007 wipes out an Aston Martin he uses up MI6's entire budget for the year (which may explain why he gets sent out less frequently these days).

In response to Alb's revised question: yes, he came to MI6 from the Royal Navy, where he indulged in several successful gambling junkets during his leave time.

Simple azzat.