He says he has 18 years left so most of that will be spent on the SWA FO scale vs Spirit CA scale. I can see how he got his numbers.

I’ve noticed a lot of people like to use profit sharing and a slightly higher retirement DC in factors of career earnings, retirement especially that will grow with interest. However I never see people mention the interest lost for the lesser wages taken when making the switch from the start.

If he makes $100k less year one at SWA vs Spirit, what is that $100k worth over the course of 18 years for retirement? If at 8% growth, that’s worth $400,000 in 18 years. Granted this is gross numbers and not net, but I’m sure you get my point. There’s is a huge opportunity cost in earning those first many years and it should be calculated when trying to compare apples and apples. And sadly there isn’t a QOL column on Excel to factor in going from line holder Ca to reserve FO at the bottom.

I’m glad he enjoys SWA and it seems he went in with his eyes wide open too, not the typical “I’ll make millions more at....”