I had my pay triple at the beginning of this year, 75k -> 230k. I’m working a lot more, I have not increased my lifestyle in any way (my rent is now 7% of my salary), and I’m happier.

For me it all boils down to a feeling of stability and hope for the future. Houses here start at 700k and retirement is expensive.

I also did just pay off my student loans this year after a decade of grappling with them. So that’s probably contributed to my increased happiness as well (I would have paid them off this year even if I hadn’t gotten the raise).