I know 2 guys that make over $500k have networth of much more. Both work extremely hard, TONS of hours, and both guys are very smart. One has degrees from Duke & Harvard, the other from some other small private school that currently escapes me.
Thier lives are very nice, BUT they have very very little free time. While they might take a nice vacation once or twice a year, the rest of the year is HELL (well it would be too me.)
Now they have kids in private schools, stay at home wives WITH nannies. Both guys are generous to a fault and both came from very middle class backgrounds, so they are both self made guys-no inherited family money.
I do envy their accomplishments to a degree, but I wouldn't switch lives. I enjoy being able to go for my run at the end of the day, race on weekends, go home before 10pm, and not worry about being on call 24/7.
The point about not worrying about day to day expenses like a broken down car, house repairs, etc.. is a good one. Most people that live pay check to pay check are doomed when confronted with stuff like that. Thank goodness I'm at least beyond that situation.