<prompt> Human: There is no right or wrong answer for this post as Im looking to gather opinions from all of the smart people here.Background: I currently make 85K and work in the creative industry. I live in Chicago, not married, no kids, I rent, have student debt and am financially stable. This is not important but figured it wouldnt hurt to add.Question: As I progress in my career and look long term, at what point does an ascending salary not merit its benefits? I could potentially make 100K - 130K in the next 5 years pending advancement and company. Is there a point when say, 100K is a better income as opposed to 115K or 130K due to tax implications assuming all stays the same with me and relatively lower stress and responsibility? Im interested to hear from individuals who were advancing in hisher career but decided to take a lower income job for pure benefits of lower stress, personal time, etc and what salary ranges you went from.Thanks for the advicecritique in advance.  <response>: You are misinformed about the tax implications. You dont jump from 28 to 33 tax just because you make 1 over the bracket. Its a gradual tax increase every 1 you make. So whether you are at 91,149 or 91,150, its not a sudden big tax hit. 