<prompt> Human: A few years ago, I accepted a job offer which came with a salary that was significantly higher than my old annual income. I knew of the modern story that your expenses always find a way of creeping up to match your income. I resolved that this wouldnt happen to me--Id make a small increase in my lifestyle, but mostly Id just divert the money to savings, and continue to live the way that I had. After all, Id been content with my old lifestyle before! And this way Id be free to move back to a job with a lower salary if the one I had turned out to be too stressful or demanding.Fast-forward to today. Before this month, I felt like Id been super successful at avoiding lifestyle inflation. In fact, my annual expenses have increased only by the amount of my rent increase due to moving to a slightly nicer area. But then some things came to a head at work, and I started thinking that I really need to move on.And it was only then that I realized that I hadnt actually escaped lifestyle inflation in the slightest. Ive become completely mentally locked into the idea of saving a certain amount of money each month, and what that means for my future. It now seems unbearably painful to move to a lower salary position, because I know that it will delay my dreams and delay my retirement. I dont want to give those things up!So the jokes on me. I feel like I could no longer be happy with my old salary.In the grand scheme of things, I know that this problem of mine is really not such a terrible problem to have. But I gotta say, I never expected that the hedonic treadmill would hit me from this angle.Thanks for reading. Comments welcome.  <response>: I think the term for this is golden handcuffs. Sometimes I see others happily working at the local skate shop or used guitar shop and they just seem so happy. Everyone is making some sacrifice, and you have to take advantage of what you can. In my opinion, these people are making the best of their inability to get a really high paying job, and they arent really missing a whole lot because of their lifestyle perks. If I won the lottery, Id go work at a relaxed place like that in a heartbeat, but I just couldnt deal with the inability to save.On another note, while I have avoided lifestyle inflation somewhat, I have also used my access to funds to my advantage like the boots theory. I get a hold of really nice furniture that will last a lifetime even though I grab it used or on a major discount. I can also spend a bit more for shoes or a mattress that will last longer and provide more comfort during its life. Also, I bought a 2 year old Toyota with extremely low miles that still had a certified warranty, which is actually a frugal option looking at the big picture, but my income allowed me to pay in cash without much worry. I guess this could be classified as lifestyle inflation, but I still think it is a wise use of money. 