Opposite Side/No 121
How many years do you have as a fed? How big is your TSP?
I'm also topped out at my grade, 22 years, FERS, decent high 3, and a nice TSP balance. 208 hours annual (with 240 carry over) and 104 sick/year can't be beat. I've been a GA pilot for 20+ years and have done the club, partial owner (Mooney), and now rental thing. I have rental access to an Arrow, and a couple of 172s. The Arrow can be easily taken for multiple days.
I get my challenge (the satisfaction you spoke of) flying IFR, and fun puttering over the lake, and taking newbies for their first flight. The wife has friends all over, so I get to fly x-cty as often as I (and budget) allow. I have also squeezed flights for work (adhering to the government's reimbursement rules!)
I'm home every night, and I fly when/where I want too. I'd be on the lookout for a group of guys with a complex a/c to buy in to, rather than the 172.
Why stress the QOL?