My experience has been that productive 4 days and 1 days go very senior, but great 2 and 3 days can usually be had much sooner (~50-40% BES) and can give great QOL with a family.

To the original poster, find a place that works for your hobbies, priorities, family network and shoot for a big carrier that has a drivable base. There will be ups and downs, but you’re still probably safer at the big 3, SWA or fedex