Is it normal to feel underpaid even when your salary looks fine on paper?

I’m 30 and make $68k in a mid-level tech support role. My friends keep telling me that’s good money for our age, but honestly it really doesn’t feel like it. Not with rent, car insurance, healthcare, groceries… everything feels heavier this year.

I’m paying every bill on time, fixing my credit slowly after messing up in my early 20s, doing all the responsible stuff. But somehow it still feels like I’m barely keeping ahead of unexpected expenses.

I tried negotiating a raise and my manager basically said, “Your salary is already competitive.” Competitive for who?? People without rent? People who don’t exist?

I’m not living beyond my means. I barely go out. I track my spending. I’m not drowning, but it feels like I’m running a treadmill that keeps speeding up.

Anyone else in this weird middle zone where you’re not broke, but you’re not comfortable, and you’re starting to wonder if you’re just being gaslit by $70k is great!! comments?