Haha - 60k pay raise from the people you networked with in your 20s. Right. My college drinking buddies haven't come through, I am afraid!
The main issue I have with this is that you can save some money and still have a lot of fun. You do NOT have to take taxis to go out. You can have friends over and cook for them, throw a party etc. etc. - plenty of ways of getting laid and having fun without spending your hard earned. It actually seemed easier to have a good time back then without money than it is now.
I do have some sympathy for wanting to enjoy your youth, but again, it doesn't mean you can't save some money.
G