I agree with you in that money's not enough to draw me away from where I live, but you can love where you live and recognize that you need flexibility. I think,

I agree with you in that money's not enough to draw me away from where I live, but you can love where you live and recognize that you need flexibility. I think, all things equal, setting down roots is a great thing, but it can be hard for some. My husband and I live in Texas as a gay married couple and have "exit criteria" where we'd leave if marriage were threatened, which is in the official platform of the party that controls every branch of government here. My extended family in different generations have left 2 different countries during various stages of dictatorship and unrest, so they are also light-footed despite loving where they currently live. The higher paycheck, properly managed, can often buy you the freedom to exit a perilous situation for you and your loved ones. I can understand why some people prefer the high pay over a particular living situation, even if it's not for me. I'm choosing to set up roots where I am and be optimistic about the future, but I'm lucky enough to have an actionable exit plan for my family should the need arise.