I continue to find it funny that we’ve come to the point where workers are guilted and shamed because they demand more for themselves.
Even if you’re somewhat disciplined about spending you are probably spending $40k a year easily in a higher cost metro on normal everyday expenses/personal travel, leaving you with maybe $20k-$30k to tuck away. Difficult to save up for a family or house on $20k/yr to save/invest.
I demand more for myself. I would also be ashamed convincing people I don't have enough as it is. It's possible to prefer to make $500K over $200K and not argue that $200K is peanuts to live on. Argue that you prefer the even more lavish life that $500K can provide you for the skills the market deemed you have.
Demand more for yourself, but don't pretend like you can't live on $200k. You're worth a lot but making up shit about rents is not going to help your argument.
Even if you’re somewhat disciplined about spending you are probably spending $40k a year easily in a higher cost metro on normal everyday expenses/personal travel, leaving you with maybe $20k-$30k to tuck away. Difficult to save up for a family or house on $20k/yr to save/invest.