"There is a lot more to life than money." You're right there is: freedom. The most important thing for me in life is freedom. To get this, you need money. Y

"There is a lot more to life than money." You're right there is: freedom. The most important thing for me in life is freedom. To get this, you need money. You may be able to take the $50K and just get by, but I would suggest finding an exciting project that pays $100K instead and save the money you don't need for your future. I did just this 5 years ago and it gave me enough runway to start my own business when I lost my job. "As long as I could provide for my family I would take the more exciting job." You never know when you will need money. Doctor bills? you lose your job and can't find another one? kid's college education? Kids are really expensive. You also only have one life. Your employer is getting the majority of it (and most likely getting rich in the process). You should get paid what you are worth. Most developers don't do this (I used to be one of them).