Completely hypothetical… but is it worth it to leave?
Alright, I will be the first to admit I am a major overthinker… but I’m sure some of you ladies are, too. I’m currently considering a J3 that is an IC Analyst position, and pays low 6-figs but has great benefits, including a pension which I haven’t seen many jobs offer nowadays. Since I’ve been OE for years now, I honestly wouldn’t mind “retiring” at a company just for the pension, given they’re chill enough. My goal in being OE is to build up enough financial independence to comfortably become a SAHM in a few years, or at a minimum, keep 1 low-meeting, low-effort J and just using the funds for whatever I want.
However, last time I worked 3Js, I’m convinced I cut a few years off of my life because of the stress. I can confidently say it was primarily due to the J3 being an absolute crap fest tech bro start up with a belittling micromanager, but I still need to mentally prepare myself to drop from 3 to 2 should my health start declining again..
My current J1 is an IC analyst role for a nonprofit, with pay in the mid 70s and a nice 401k match that doesnt vest for 3 more years. I get 6 weeks of PTO a year that does not roll over, so everyone takes their time off seriously. My hubby and I have always planned on this, if I choose to, being my “only” job so I can be a WFH+SAHM… since it only has 3 meetings a week, I love the org, my manager, and the team, but I am constantly having to refuse work because different teams want to poach some of my time and experience. My manager fights for me, my manager is so great and supportive honestly, but sometimes I end up doing more than I should.
However, IF I had to drop a J, I’m thinking this one may make the most sense, since it pays the least out of all my Js. I’m just having a hard time imagining leaving, and losing all of the match that hasn’t vested + such a great team and work life balance.
My current set up would be:
J1 - 75k salary, 6 weeks PTO, 4% match
J2 - 150k salary, unlimited PTO, no match (but super chill, so not leaving, great WLB)
J3 - 120k salary, unlimited PTO, 4% match, pension, monthly wellness + wifi stipend
What would you do?
Posted Feb 7, 2026, 11:04 PM UTC