During the pandemic, many members of my unemployment group refused to accept certain types of work because the wages didn't support their lifestyle. Being a slave to work in order to support a lifestyle…is it really worth it?
Frugality is the new work-life balance.
Yes, there's a minimum threshold that people need to earn for basic necessities but we need to shift our perceptions of what constitutes “basic necessities”. The latest iPhone, full cable package, and a car lease that allows one to switch cars every two years are not basic necessities. Once you chain yourself to such expenses, you'll never be free of the rat race.
Feel free to drop some suggestions in the comments about how you spend less to work less.