Say you are approximately 35 and live on the Wasatch Front currently and have annual comp of $190k. You’re in a comfortable place, and rarely work nights or weekends. You are a big fish in a small pond. You have total job security and your coworkers are genuine and good people. However, the standards of your employer are fairly low and you do not feel pushed to improve at your profession. You expect to make $500k annually for the rest of your life beginning in the next 15 years.

Now, assume you are offered a chance to work remotely from the Wasatch Front for a coastal competitor of your current employer. The annual comp is $350k (assume the tax residence stays the same). The hours are grueling (2am+ multiple nights per week, constant weekend work) and there is immense pressure. However, this competitor is much more “prestigious” and gives you the opportunity to be among the best in the world at what you do. There is significant room for growth. It is not unlikely that you will be making $1.5m per year five years from today. Your coworkers would be demanding and not respectful of your personal time.