There is the point of the hedonic treadmill, but young professional success has a slew of downstream benefits beyond the immediate self-esteem factor. There's

There is the point of the hedonic treadmill, but young professional success has a slew of downstream benefits beyond the immediate self-esteem factor. There's > Higher respect and esteem among your peers. This gives you the option to pursue more rewarding, interesting work without the pressure of not having proven yourself yet > Money, so random medical calamities, a year off to "reflect", completely changing your career field aren't crazy or unattainable. A freedom to retire earlier when your body hasn't yet mostly deteriorated > Experience, so you know how to pursue valuable vs non-valuable things > Connections to other people on that level of success, leading to more interesting life experiences > Self assurance against imposter syndrome, or complete hopelessness trying to make any sort of impact on the world.