You don't think $250k comes with high expectations as well? Salary doesn't always correlate with stress - min. wage workers are probably just as stressed, if not more -, but from my experience, my stress level has increased the more I earn. I also used to think that I'd do anything for that kind of money, but I now realize that I wouldn't.

This discussion probably reeks of "first world problems" to people who have different stress tolerance levels or preferences in life. However, be mindful of the people around you who are functionally capable of earning $250k, but mentally more fragile to the stressors that come with that level of responsibility. There's many of us who would turn that money down, happily.

I'm in my 20s and I've realized that there is little point in killing myself to retire early at 40. By that time, the best years of my life have passed. For what? All to earn a high salary and be proud, while hating my life.