When Raises Increase Financial Anxiety

Let me tell you about my friend Marcus. Marcus worked in tech and earned

six figures. From the outside, he had everything. But inside, he was deeply unhappy.

Every time he thought about quitting his job, his stomach would tighten.

Not because he didn’t have skills. Not because he didn’t have options. But because he had

commitments. A $400,000 house. Two car payments. Kids in private school.

One day, his company offered him a promotion—a $20,000 raise. He felt relief wash

over him. Gratitude. Validation. Two weeks later, reality caught up.

His mortgage adjusted. His oldest needed braces. The car started having expensive