Here is a mental exercise that will help train your financial sense:

Having a good reputation (for getting work done well and on time) and a little money in the bank gives you confidence. It's extremely likely that you will be alive tomorrow, and so it's a pretty safe bet to leave future you in a slightly better position so he won't ever have to make such moral compromises. If you think about it that way, it might help you get your gut feelings on board with your long-term plans.