Well, it should come as no surprise but people treat you better when you have more money. Even your closest relations and friends - they may say it doesn't matter but there'll be subtle differences. Here are a few based on my experience when i didn't have a job for a while. I had a high-paying job previously but took a break for the sake of my health and family.
The one who brings in the money decides
The more money you bring in, the more your opinion matters. Don't feel like doing something or going somewhere? Then, no need for that. If you aren't bringing in the dough, then you have to suck it up and listen. This is something many retirees face as well as their income suddenly disappears and they find their authority at home disappears with their career.
SAHDs needs to earn money too!
Maybe it's evolution or sociology that makes it almost mandatory for a man to earn more than his wife in order to feel useful. In conversations i've had with stay at home dads over the years, they've mentioned the pressure to continue to find a source of income even if they had agreed with their wives that they'll be taking care of the home duties.
This can be very demoralizing as most work from home opportunities do not pay anywhere as much as a full-time job. Even ordinarily supportive wives reminding you from time to time that you need to earn money can take it's toll and make you feel inadequate.
Depression
For better or worse, a big part of our identity is tied to our career and when we lose that, there is a void that's hard to fill. The loss of income, freedom and self-esteem can lead to depression. Being stuck in a rut and it can feel like an insurmountable hole to climb out of.
In another post, i'll talk about my coping strategies and how i got out of the funk. Thank you for reading.