Wow everyone, I was a little occupied for a few days, just checked back, and I feel like I have a lot of good leads here!
Really, this is a lot of QQ on my part. I have a good job, with great people, in my chosen field, with great hours and decent pay - with insane benefits. Its just A) frustrating and B) I just started paternity leave (great benefit) and I'm not looking forward to having the kids back to rushing around in the AM so I can make my train and my wife can get to work on time. Its not the kind of lifestyle I'm after.
My career frustration lies in the fact that I'm a career switcher, and not as high up on the decision making tree as I would have liked to be (or I think, would have been!) at this stage in my life. I also have a lot of interesting entrepreneurial ideas that take time and focus to accomplish. Not impossible, but difficult for an involved dad who also works full time - and has a 2 hour/day travel time.
A few more details if anyone wants to keep discussing this:
I'm in Metro NYC, commute appx an hour each way. Married, wife and I make under $150k.
4yo and 6mo. The daycare starts in January, full time daycare for the little guy, before and after care on top of (free) preschool for the big man. $appx 1700/month.
Mortgage is (no facepunches please...) about $2700 with ever rising taxes.
Utilities are under control. Efficient lights, high efficiency gas appliances, newer fridge.
2 cars, one payment, $240/month for 9 more months.
I REALLY love the ideas here. I'm going to look into some, at least for the future if not now. Thanks again.
TheSchmett