[seannaM]

A) Working in startups is more interesting/fun (If you can have fun being stressed out) than most companies. A lot of people will compromise compensation for fun.

B) The benefits of income have diminishing returns (Very scientifically through the tax system, but also because you mostly only become able to buy things lower on your priority list.)

C) Lots of people make do under 60k, software engineers are mostly able to make do as well as them. (A couple of exceptions for engineers who live in very expensive cities, have a lot of student loans, or are likely to burn out quickly)