NowCorporate, I don't play an underpaid martyr pilot... whatever that is. I live and work abroad, and I'd put up my compensation package and lifestyle against yours any day and most likely leave you in the dust - just looking at what you pay for family insurance - 8K/year??! Just as a quick comparison - no out-of-pocket insurance costs for us - medical, dental, vision, prescription, life, loss-of-license, AD&D... all 100% paid for by my employer - far better coverage than I had at the airlines back in the US, which I'm sad to say, was still seemingly better than yours. BTW... our current medical coverage is valid worldwide and in most Western countries available through direct billing as opposed to reimbursement. But that's another discussion altogether... Maybe next time I come through NY, and we go through there fairly often, I'll treat you for a drink/lunch/dinner of your choice, and we can talk and toast in person about solving all the world problems and maybe you can explain to me what an underpaid pilot martyr is. Though I do hope you get a better medical plan though - your share of 8K/year is ridiculous! It's sad how far the US has slipped in terms of compensation for professionals... but I digress.

So it's clear that you wouldn't accept a job in SoCal for 150k a year because in your opinion, you're better than that. I hear ya - I wouldn't accept a job in the US for 150k a year - unless I had no choice. Getting taxed through the nose before I even get paid, and then getting a bill for 8k for insurance on top of that... at Fortune 5 company no less?! You can keep that...

But here's the fundamental difference between you and I. If I had to go back to the US... let's say back to SoCal, and I made $100k, not 150k, I'd still make it work... and it wouldn't be the end of the world. The trick is to live within one's means, and if you can't live in SoCal within your means at 150k a year... you're keeping up with the Joneses. I'd still most likely stay debt-free and none of my family would suffer or go hungry. Think it can't be done? Ask USMCFLYER about living in San Diego as a Marine officer and an F-18 pilot.... think his family went hungry or mingled with "migrant workers"? I can guarantee you he made far less than 150k a year.

Climbto450, just a quick link you may find useful - Dave Ramsey Homepage - daveramsey.com

Anyhow, to each their own... I stand by what I said. You can have the last word.

Have a great weekend!