>>This is the best way to get depressed. It's always significantly easier to negotiate a $1k raise than it is to reduce your spending on basic stuff by $1k.

Ideally. But in reality with bad habits you will spend that extra $1K you started earning.

>>Focus on earning more, not saving (on useless expenses).

Both. Without discipline its all useless. Why else do you think so many athletes or lottery winners lose those millions?