One of the main reasons I picked my current career is because it paid relatively well. I came to regret it. I got burnt out and grew to hate it. I wish I'd chosen a career in something I really loved instead, even if it didn't pay that well.
Exactly this. I don't really care if it pays well if I hate the system. If I hate using it, if I don't believe in it, if I feel like it isn't the right product for the customers I am supposed to help.
What career are you in?
Doesn't mean much because they are only paying that rate based on the reputation of the company they hire.
For example if the average SAP dev at your friend's company left to do independent consulting, the rate wouldn't even be in the same ballpark.