OP was pretty clear, as mikeash points out by quoting. I agree that it is usually not about the money, and I understand taking a cut or smaller increase b/c of

OP was pretty clear, as mikeash points out by quoting. I agree that it is usually not about the money, and I understand taking a cut or smaller increase b/c of a good opportunity, but to say it is "never about the money" is off the mark. As my situation illustrates, sometimes it is only about the money. That was literally the only reason I left my first position. On every other count the first position was equal or better than the one I moved into. After the switch work was worse but life was better. Because of the money.