The real problem here is that the accrual things bringing happiness take time (art, side projects, friends, family) and this is incompatible with income maximiz

The real problem here is that the accrual things bringing happiness take time (art, side projects, friends, family) and this is incompatible with income maximization (therefore savings maximization) on fundamental level. If it is just discretionary "comfort" spending perhaps you could rethink why are you doing it. Savings essentially work like a buffer and can be used to supplement a pension. How much buffer you can hold and afford depends on many expenses. Many people are unable to even trade time for these things as their jobs which are full time pay too little - barely subsistence. Telling them to save more or switch jobs is not the solution. (I bet they would of they could)