I'm also out of this cohort.
Best case, 2019. Worst case, 2022.
Congratulations! I'm straddling between here and 2027. 2025 is looking more likely lately. Of course, it could all implode ;)
This year so far has been interesting. I've been pretty settled in my job for over a decade - pay's decent but not great, the pension will include medical*, I do a job that's important and impactful. I have professional respect. I have somewhat flexible hours and work 10 minutes from home. If there is a problem with the kid at school (or whatever) I can usually just drop things and go.
What's been interesting? Upper management crapped on my one important conference of the year. I had arranged 100% outside financing from an acceptable source and had enthusiastic support through two management levels up. Got told not to go from on high. No reasons given other than "we send too many people to conferences" Ridiculous. I am on technical committees and am one of very few owner's side representatives on an oversight board for the industry. Which meets in person once a year at the conference. This is my ONE conference per year, and it's a real working conference.
I looked around and applied for one "moon shot" job. Didn't get it, but it did get me off my complacency.
MrsTX went back to work full time, at a short term position (~4 months) making slightly more in raw dollars than me (but no benefits).
I got a nice raise, putting me in the earnings lead again.
2 months in, they find the budget to extend MrsTX by an additional 5 months.
Massive management shakeup for me and the promise from upper management about significantly worse working conditions in a few years (Okay, they didn't present it that way - but we're not stupid. It's gonna suck.)
I get a title add-on commensurate with a portion of my actual duties.
I applied for another job, well within my capabilities, still in the State system, title add-on is very pertinent, should be a ~30% raise. Longer commute, but my inside information says 2 day a week WFH is standard, as is general flexibility. They also think I would be great for the job. It's also outside the domain of the upper management craziness over me currently. The State works slowly, so I don't really expect to hear anything for months. Keeping an eye out for other appealing positions that come with a nice raise.
MrsTX got an even bigger raise than I did, putting her back in the earnings lead. And she should get benefits in November. If I can take her off my insurance, that would save $350/month.
Expenditures have only gone up by the cost of child care and commute mileage - stashing rate has increased
significantly.
*Pension eligible in 2027, should I work in the State system until 2027. 2029 if I leave in 2025. No later than 2033 in any event.