I'm Chinese. I speak for myself, not the general Chinese population.

Why do I work so hard? Because the more work I put in, the more money I earn. And money makes me happy.

Why? Because there are so many things that I want to do that can be solved if I have more money:

1) I want to do more renovation to my house so that I can live more comfortably
2) I want to buy a sports car for my dad. It was one of his dream
3) I want to buy luxury goods for my wife because those makes her happy
4) I want my children to be able to have an overseas education like I did
5) I want my children to have a head start in life like you did
6) I can spend more on my hobbies
7) Last but not least, if I have more money I can take bigger risks and make even more money and achieve all the above (without working harder!).

I also work hard because I want to be recognised as being among the best in my field. That is something money can't buy and it really makes me proud to be recognised and acknowledged for my work and contribution.

I can understand why you are comfortable with your life right now. When I started off as a fresh graduate, I made barely enough to pay for my monthly expenses. Even so, I am happy with my life. I never thought of buying a house. Never thought of doing holidays. Never dreamed of having expensive hobbies. Never dreamed of driving luxury cars

You're probably at the same stage too. Furthermore, since you're working in a medium tier accounting firm, working harder does not make you more money (at least not immediately). Perhaps even if you do make money, having more money does not make you happy.

But as someone about 5 years your senior, I can share with you that over the years, I started to demand more. I got married. I wanted kids. I wanted to buy a house. I wanted to go for more holidays. I developed hobbies. I no longer want to eat roti canai and zap fan everyday. So I am more hardworking than ever today.

If the day comes that having more money makes you happy, you will perhaps change your mindset and join the rat race.