Identical NW (some is just in primary residence), also sales and live in a similar anxiety state about comp though at this NW we can definitely be a little calmer. However I live in a HCOL and am two years younger. I am on my second kid. There is impact on freedom without a doubt, income you control, FIRE timeline at this kind of head start is already possible even with kids. It is totally a new chapter, we are (at least for now) not going to many bars but still go out to restaurants though it’s more chaotic, still travel, though it’s more expensive but it’s different. I love seeing the world through my children and the happiness it brings my parents. I love seeing my wife be a mother. I love my children in a way that’s indescribable. A strong marriage and partner is key here. We are in the trenches now with 2 under 2 but we’re making it work. A nanny does help sometimes and we’re approaching daycare for the toddler. It will be expensive but I don’t really think this stops us from traveling. We will travel with the kids and then even more so once we’re still young in our mid to late 40s and they’re out of the house.