A new report says a third of all workers earning more than £60,000 a year sacrifice time with their family.
The UK Wealth Watchreport from Lloyds TSB claims the pursuit of money also has an impact on their health and marriages.
Although two-thirds of top-earners said the financial reward brought happiness, 70 per cent also said they would give up their wealth for good health.
Ninety four per cent said they did not feel powerful because they had money, even though they admitted it gave them more choices in life.
The authors of the report spoke to 500 people earning above £60,000 who also have at least £250,000 in savings and investments. They also spoke to 1,000 people earning less than £60,000.
A third said being happy was the ultimate sign of success, whereas only 3 per cent thought it was defined as the ability to buy anything they wanted. Just under a third said they would do without leisure interests to pursue their career.
The report says that for many rich people "wealth comes at a price". It notes: "Over a third admit that they had given less time to their family, personal relationships and marriage in the pursuit of wealth".
PA