Well, I see some of my friends who just chill and make 400k for some FAANG and living pretty sad and pathetic lives. They are content with mediocrity. They have good jobs and make good money but will never earn great money and will never have great jobs. However, they are happy and content, which is more than I can say.

But then, sometimes I think I am the sad one, because I always want more and will never be happy with anything I have.

I've meet people who totally agree with my mindset and those that agree with my friends mindset, it really does seem to be a fundamental difference among people.

This, and Google in Sydney vs London for the same role certainly does not pay 5-7x. Sydney L5 SWE is around 300-350K AUD total comp. If an L5 SWE in London gets 1.5M I'll eat my hat :)

I guess if you plan to retire early and come back then earning a lot of money makes sense. Personally, the comments make me rather want to relocate to Australia.

Not at all. I see it as a great thing! But I love London, and actually enjoy being career-focused right now. It satisfies me in a way that Australia did not. I definitely plan to move back in 6-7 years, and will be in a strong financial position when I do. Win-win.