[ahevia]

> But what if the market shifts and salaries go down?

If youre making decent pay & enjoy your job that sounds like a dream.

Enjoy your life, work isn't everything. Bay Area isn't that nice. You are likely able to live somewhere better (or can move somewhere nicer). I regret moving away from family & friends (albeit I do like the area I'm in now). Spend time with them.

You won't be worrying about your paycheck on your deathbed, but rather whether you lived a fulfilling life. I am certain more pay for less interesting work doesn't match that description ;)

[joconde]

I agree, but I also expect money to matter to these goals in the long run. For example, if I have kids someday, I'd be much happier if I have financial resources to live in a nice place, take more time off, and pay for travel.

Money for the sake of it isn't the goal, it's more about being able to finance projects I find fulfilling.

[ahevia]

You don't need a absurdly high salary to raise a comfortable family or live a comfortable life.

Be careful with following that thinking trap. If you already think you're not making enough now, you'll fall down the rabbit hole of lifestyle creep where many high paying engineers struggle to get out of.

[joconde]

> You don't need a absurdly high salary to raise a comfortable family or live a comfortable life.

I could do with absurdly high savings though. For everything from future projects to safe vacations and financial emergencies.

The lifestyle creep only happens if I actually spend that money instead of investing it.