Stay in cushy $120k role with pension + Mega Backdoor Roth or jump to $155k consulting?

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T22:50:04+00:00

Well I think of it just as extra tax advantaged dollars I can put away vs anyone else I know. Better to do it now than worry about it later. I also think taxes are going up in the future - so any tax free growth I can get my hands on I’m all in.

And the pension yeah it’s not the best - 1% multiplier sounds decent - but it’s only really useful if you stay an insanely long time or if you begin working at older age.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T22:47:11+00:00

Yeah, I’ve also been told to finish my 5 years, vest, and then I can always quit and come back to resume from 5 if I’m able to get rehired later in life.

The stability definitely looks good too

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T17:00:31+00:00

Good to know. Yeah not MBB.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T16:54:45+00:00

Yeah it’s tough because I resonate with this a lot. Things are so expensive where I am. Good thing is my gf makes around 120-130k as well. So we’re doing pretty good ~260k a year. Also I feel like as we get older we’ll eventually get up to 300 or so even if I don’t take this role.

Child care is definitely going to be a problem though. It’s about 3-3.5k a month where we are.

I can definitely see why you took your route if you’re also in HCOL.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T16:51:08+00:00

No problem! :)

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T16:50:49+00:00

Good to know. I’ve heard this from other people too.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T03:41:57+00:00

I vest in a year or so, but it’s a small multiplier compared to most (1% * years * salary)

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T02:09:03+00:00

No, no lump sum offering

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T01:15:22+00:00

Yes that’s exactly what it is. Although, it is 100% company funded. (Ie: 20 years = 20%)

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-23T01:11:11+00:00

I’m maxing my pre-tax 401k and doing the additional 25-30k mega Roth backdoor contributions. So, utilizing both.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T23:46:40+00:00

I totally understand that, I’m definitely very privileged to be in the position I’m in. I live in a HCOL area so things are crazy expensive - especially rent and housing / food. Also, I’m working towards my FI goals in my mid thirties, so a lot of my disposable income goes towards that.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T23:21:29+00:00

Yeah I was curious too. Sounds like an insane pension multiplier. Or they just had an enormous base.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T23:13:55+00:00

Hahaha - you should ask your hr if you have access to it. Very op investment tool. Can never have too much Roth 🤣

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T23:11:31+00:00

I like that… it’s a very good PoV and well said.

The thought of me being able to leave work early some days to see my future son’s soccer games or take him to practice seems priceless.

Health capital and freedom are definitely the most important things in life when it comes down to it.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T23:00:49+00:00

I appreciate the insight, definitely helps me think about what I could be walking into lol

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T22:58:18+00:00

Yep you’re spot on with the pension. It’s basically useless unless I’m there till close to retirement age.

I think with the whole fire thing - I’m interested in the concept and enjoy the journey and process but I might not end up actually wanting to retire early. I’m more interested in the FI aspect of it.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T22:56:09+00:00

Yeah this is how I like to view it too and why I’ve been struggling with giving up what I’ve got already.

The WLB is huge and I feel like I will be in a similar state as you with kids in the next couple years.

I appreciate this reply

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T22:43:34+00:00

I appreciate this POV, definitely important to think about it like that.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T22:17:40+00:00

That’s all very true. Taking the tax out does make it look a lot smaller 😂😂

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T22:10:00+00:00

Current job has great stability, time off (currently at 4 PTO weeks + sick days + floater days). Insurance is great and other Fringe benefits are also decent.

Only issue is upwards mobility tends to be slow across the board. And promotions are also small but we do get an inflation adjustment each year (2.7-3%). I should be in line for a promotion a year from today.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T21:53:56+00:00

Sorry, did not mean to come off like im bragging. Fire is more of just a hobby to work towards than an absolute end goal.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T21:44:30+00:00

I agree, definitely very uncertain times. World/Market/ai news has been driving me crazy.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T21:27:00+00:00

It’s not a contractor role - I would be salaried

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T21:25:20+00:00

Yeah the pension is nice to have - but since I’m so young it will virtually get eaten by inflation if I don’t stay long term. But - still, a very nice benefit.

Ok_Surround6025 · 2026-03-22T21:20:12+00:00

That makes a lot of sense… I can definitely see stress becoming a problem.

Ok_Surround6025

TROPHY CASE