For reasonably dynamic careers and standard way of life (like mine), I feel that there are plateaux in "quality of life". When you are out of school a change o

For reasonably dynamic careers and standard way of life (like mine), I feel that there are plateaux in "quality of life". When you are out of school a change of 1000€ per year means nicer vacation. Go for it. The same 1000€ is something I would not even consider. I am at a plateau where it requires significantly more money to change your way of life, and the 1000€ would not be perceptible. Maybe that of you add the "retire early" part it may make sense to optimize your income, but it is too late for me anyway.