I'm getting ready for a hopeful career change (interview next Wednesday) for decidedly less money (~40% salary and no bonus, but 9 month contract so I'd be working ~25% less) but still good benefits. Wife had decided several years ago to go back to college and get certified to teach, since kids are now in MS/HS, which would have almost closed the gap. She's 7 years younger, so if she had worked to 65 she would have qualified for a pension. I have a very nice 401k built up - we should be fine when I retire in 11 years even if I don't put in another dime, but no defined benefit other than social security. I mentioned that was a great plan and mentioned the financial benefits and she said I was putting a dollar figure to her value to the family. (What have we been doing for the last 20 years to me I did not ask?) So she ditched that idea and went back to work for half as much and no benefits. But we'll make it fine. But corporate world is not good for my soul.