The Unexpected Ways a Big Raise Affects Your Happiness – WSJ

Up and down the income ladder, people say more money would make them happier. When they actually get it, that isn t always the case. 

Some people who have gotten big raises recently say the money hasn t changed their day-to-day life or hasn t provided them as much joy as the things in their life that have nothing to do with money. Others were hoping for a bigger raise or felt conflicted about making more money. 

Jess Tapia, a 28-year-old accountant in Hoffman Estates, Ill., thought for years that $90,000 was a salary that would make her happy. When a raise of about $20,000 pushed her pay to that level last February, it did at first. 

via www.wsj.com

Like many, I’m willing to take the chance. Also, it seems relevant how much happier your big raise makes your wife and children.