[smoe]

I worked 15+ years in small companies (not necessarily startups) and always made above median salary for the age. Certainly not having as lavish a lifestyle as I could if money were my first priority in life, but sustainability has never been an issue at all.

This is in my opinion the biggest luxury of working in tech over a lot of other occupations, being able to fairly comfortably value other things over salary and not having to take whatever job that pays a little more.

[zeroonetwothree]

I think hardly anyone in any job is fully maximizing their income. I’ve heard friends say the same thing as you about their $20/hr jobs. Like they could switch and get $25 but they are comfortable and able to live on it so why bother.