My salary increased… but somehow my happiness didn’t

A few years ago, I genuinely thought money would solve most of my stress. Not in a greedy way. Just in a “life will finally feel easier” way. And now technically, I’m earning more than I imagined I would at this age. But somehow… I still feel constantly anxious. The responsibilities increased. The expectations increased. The comparison increased. Even success stopped feeling exciting after a while because the moment you achieve one thing, society immediately asks: “Okay, what next?” Promotion? Now buy a house. Bought a house? Now get married. Married? Now have kids. It honestly feels like adulthood is just unlocking new pressure levels instead of peace. And I know I should feel grateful because many people are struggling financially right now. But I also think people underestimate how emotionally empty “achievement without fulfillment” can feel sometimes.