I can't speak to any actual person's mentality, but Covid relief is temporary, whereas wages are subject to a ratchet effect and establish a future baseline for

I can't speak to any actual person's mentality, but Covid relief is temporary, whereas wages are subject to a ratchet effect and establish a future baseline for what you'll be paid for the rest of your working life. If you're being offered more than you used to make before and it's anywhere near what you earn in temporary relief payments, the economically sanest decision is to take it. Provided you can, i.e. your kids' school isn't still shut down or something so you have to stay home to watch them.