[hammock]

So they don't want to maximize their income, rather, they want to minimize the hours needed to work to cover their bills. In both scenarios, the laborer is still chasing a higher wage (assuming hourly work). So not sure you're making sense.

[culturalzero]

Actually, how many low cognitive load, high paying jobs will allow people to work a casual 20 hour work week, and take days off or call in sick with little repercussions? Most middle class jobs, such as the one I have now will require a full time commitment, along with a higher cognitive load and responsility. Oh, and so those people who want to pay their bills and nothing more? When their wages went up, they had the leisure to work less.(I have no clue where UW got their mere 3% raise claim, I experienced a much larger bump) While cost of living has gone up in Seattle, there are countless ways to navigate that, as those familiar with living on less know.