I think you need to figure out what you want.
You told them you are leaving, but then something happened and you smell leverage. So maybe you're not leaving them. But then you talk about getting another job. So which is it: Self employed, keep working there or getting a new job? You are all over the place.
Make a priority list of the best outcomes, then work toward #1; if that falls apart, work toward #2, if that falls apart...etc etc.
Here is what I envision (5 year horizon):
1. FIRE as quickly as possible to maximize the amount of time allocated to family, friends and community. There are only so many hours in a week. 40-50 of them are currently spent in an office doing a job for the purpose of opening the door to FIREship.
2. I don't want to possess vast amounts of wealth. I want enough to live a modest, minimal lifestyle. That's it. Anything beyond that I wish to give.
3. I want to live in a small house with my wife, begin raising children, and from there do whatever in life is expected of me. This will occur itself as life unfolds and circumstances change. It could take the form of a new career, being a stay at home parent, etc.
So yes, you're exactly right. If asking for more money at job helps #1, then yes I'm smelling leverage and will do whatever it takes to materialize the vision. Family and time are paramount. Do I emphasize family and time here and now by leaving work, or do I continue working and maximize earnings to bolster that same goal, but in a delayed manner?
I'm laying this all out on the table because I'm just trying to
think. For anyone reading this and have been very kind to reply, I welcome you to challenge my thinking. Tear apart faulty ideas and reasoning. This discussion reaches core MMM principles and we're all trying to unravel it in one way or another.