Nice breakdown.

I would add that money comes with responsibility and it's the money/responsibilities ratio that really matters.

I was at a top-tier tech company (the one that's getting all the heat lately) for 2 years in a senior eng role, breaking my neck and struggling to maintain healthy work/life balance. Leaving it felt devastating but in retrospect, it was the right decision. Now I'm at a non-tech company, making almost the same money, having twice fewer expectations. All while working on just as exciting tech and problems.

I can likely get a tech position in finance and make even more, but at what cost to my work hours and expectations? Not worth it.