I have an associates, so only a two year degree. I did do an apprenticeship though, so that adds some time. Worked as an electrician for several years making good money, especially for my area. I took a paycut to do my current job, which is still "in the field" and related, but different. Base pay is over $90k, and I make over $100k if I work a little OT, so pretty much every year I break six figures. If I wanted the "promotion job", which I'm well qualified for, I'd have a base pay of about $115k, but I don't want the job. It pretty much becomes a desk job where you become trapped in a single room with a lot of stress, and I hate, hate the idea of a desk job. I hate the idea of not being able to go outside (almost) whenever I want, especially when the weather is nice. It would be a huge pay raise, but the money is just not worth it to me. I feel really balanced and content now, so why mess with a good thing?