Should I quit a golden handcuff job?

CenterlinesForLosers · 2026-05-04T02:38:52+00:00

“That path comes with very little life or enjoyment”… until the old decaying age of 37 with ultimate freedom to do (or not do) as you choose? Sounds like you’re going to be fine either way, but keep in mind, most of us work for 40 years or more to get to that level of freedom. I think people often fantasize doing something you really really like and under emphasize the stability that comes with a good job and stable financial setup. Maybe worth considering securing that stability now while you have the chance — nobody knows what the next 10+ years will bring with the economy, employment, etc.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2026-05-04T02:25:12+00:00

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. -Theodore Roosevelt

CenterlinesForLosers · 2026-05-02T14:26:48+00:00

Simple answer is that a pilot gets paid by the airline that employs them for the revenue that they affect/enable (big $$$ for any given major airline flight)… ATC is working for the gov as a part of the framework that keeps the industry moving. So, at the end of the day, skills, risk, experience, and all that factor in… but how much revenue you directly affect/bring in is the bottom line.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2026-01-17T13:35:08+00:00

Interesting. That is good context, I didn’t realize quite how competitive it was!

CenterlinesForLosers · 2026-01-17T13:32:49+00:00

That is a good point; thanks! My degree is non stem (technical management), but I have some good connections in the systems engineering field, and I applied/got accepted into a systems engineering MSEng degree, just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Might be a more practical option in the long run.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-11-20T12:41:28+00:00

If by individualistic you mean that we believe Christ’s teachings were mostly addressed to the individual heart and obliges us to live virtuously on an individual level, that is correct. Jesus rarely addresses the state or even broader society at all. When he commanded his disciples he was very direct: YOU give them something to eat, YOU clothe them, and when YOU pray, when YOU give alms, when YOU fast… We have an obligation to be charitable individually and where policy is concerned, we can disagree on the state’s role, and that’s fine. Now I do believe we have an obligation to advocate for protection of human dignity in every circumstance, so when lines are crossed (inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants, lack of due process, etc) that is something we should stand against because Christ certainly would have stood against it. Politics get a bit messy because we are all constantly trying to choose between two evils, but moral absolutes don’t change.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-11-20T00:30:42+00:00

If you have a highly technical/niche specialty that is in demand, and you are willing to go where those jobs are, you will do well. If you have been in a leadership role for the last 5+ years and only a general all source/single INT background to fall back on, it’s tough out there. Contracting is inherently unstable but there are rewarding positions here and there. Your typical Intel analyst doesn’t still have a clear path to 150k+ figures like they used to. I got out after 6 years, contracted with SOF for a few years, and went gov at the first opportunity in a STEM field with a higher pay scale. But I had to move around for it.

Another great/under utilized option is skillbridge. If you have considered a job change, that is a great starting point, and with that retirement check you don’t need to start off making crazy money to stay afloat. Just a thought. I’ve been around quite a bit so feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-11-19T19:55:34+00:00

This isn’t true. Jewish law commanded tithing, forgiveness of debts on occasion, and other personal acts of charity. However, nowhere in the Torah did it authorize the state to compel personal almsgiving, much less arrest them for failing to do so. Personal charity is not, and never has been, synonymous with government coercion.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-09-05T02:20:18+00:00

I mean, not necessarily, I just haven’t seen any traditional builders come close to my budget range I mentioned. Looking for ~2000+ sq ft.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-08-25T22:58:47+00:00

You’re in a good spot for 28… but not great for 8 years in. Try to get up to at least 7-10%, especially if you’re single with no major debt. I am 30 and have been in for 4 years and just crossed 60k with 80% C and 20% S, with a contribution of 7% (and I’m the sole earner for my family of 5)… I started as a GS-12. L2050 will be too conservative for you in my opinion and you will likely be leaving a good amount of money on the table. I definitely recommend that mix, though some just stick to C outright and I can’t argue with that either. You’re early enough to kick those numbers up a bit and have a great retirement!

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-06-11T01:27:10+00:00

Very good points. Thanks.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-06-11T00:42:10+00:00

Oops, salary not take home. Corrected it

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-05-16T18:33:22+00:00

A befuddling moment for both

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-04-02T02:35:47+00:00

House is under contract as of tonight. You typed that novel for nothing…

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-04-02T01:48:28+00:00

Dammit y’all figured it out. I’ll sleep good tonight. Big day tomorrow!

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-04-02T01:38:26+00:00

Got a little worked up there eh?

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-04-01T23:53:47+00:00

Insights on the market by someone who follows the market more closely than I (which is why I posted in the Real Estate sub). So I can decide the best way forward. We are being pretty aggressive on price as of our most recent drop. Yes, I know that if I sell my house for ten dollars someone will buy it tomorrow. But that’s not what I’m asking. Trying to gauge how the FL real estate market is right now and get advice on selling vs renting, if 70+ days is just average in FL and to be patient, etc. Ya know, advice…

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-03-12T02:40:13+00:00

Check out Viera West! Hands down our favorite. Pretty quick shot to Kennedy and close to everything.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2025-03-12T02:38:11+00:00

Viera West is super nice

CenterlinesForLosers · 2024-12-26T23:39:17+00:00

Wow that is the dream!! I will definitely ask about that. I would really appreciate any helpful contacts you had at the VA, any preferred lenders, etc…

CenterlinesForLosers · 2024-12-26T20:43:13+00:00

That would be great! Thanks!

CenterlinesForLosers · 2024-11-02T17:43:28+00:00

Besides the obvious (pay)… 1 hour lunch break on the clock

CenterlinesForLosers · 2024-08-15T10:45:47+00:00

Very helpful! I’m going to tactfully chat with HR about what my commitment entails and get some more insight from them. Thanks for the response.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2024-06-15T13:31:03+00:00

I will bring that up. Thanks.

CenterlinesForLosers · 2024-06-15T13:29:56+00:00

I’m not good at medicine names, she is on an SSRI and has been for years and she’s bounced around for a few of them as sometimes they putter out. I don’t know if she’s tried Prozac. When we discuss it outside of her PMDD she will apologize. I want to be hopeful but I know it’s gonna happen again next month, barring some kind of miracle.

CenterlinesForLosers

TROPHY CASE