The SO gig is the best job I have ever had, hands down. Is it sometimes frustrating to not fly. YES!!! Is it fantastic to realistically work 9 days per month. YES!!! I'm not disputing NC's numbers, but the housing allowance can be a very good incentive, even without property appreciation. I'm in the process of purchasing a $5M property, with 5% down out of my pocket. For the next 10 months, I will only be able to pay $27K/mnth. After that my housing will pay $54K/mnth. At current interest rates my flat will be paid for in just over 8 years. If I get no appreciation, then in less than 10 years I have an asset worth $630K US. That is a gain of approx $70k US per year. If I have to pay out $12K/yr in taxes, I'm still up $58K/yr more than I would have been. Add to that 13th month, and I think the SO gig is cake. If I get canned by CX, then I'll just leave the keys on their desk!!! Just another perspective from a very happy and lazy SO!!
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