I commute. My family gets to live in smalltown Gulf Coast town vice the crime ridden, drug infested major city that is my domicile.

I manage to eek out enough to make commuting okay. I fly my own plane into a small airport where I lease some hangar space, go to work and fly an nice trip, then fly home when I get back. I get to work and back in great mood, and my family is happy to live in a town they love.

XJT's plan works great for him. My plan works great for me. At my company there are 4500 different stories.... The good news is unlike the military the airline life isn't "one size fits all.." You can try a few options, see what works for you, then make your choice

Also suggest you do a thread search on "timing your exit..."