Can’t speak to being a lawyer in the public sector, but many others have weighed in. However, my Dad worked for the Fed Govt (accountant for HHS) for 20 years and hated it, but retired at 55 and has been happy for 20 years since then with a modest, but stress free retirement. However, my best friends step dad who I am very close with, was a LAWYER for the Fed Govt (VA) and hated it so much it nearly killed him. It was the worst job on the planet, so he said. The beaurocracy, the case loads, the average pay, the inability to get real help to his clients (Veterans). His health actually suffered from the stress. On the day they announced his retirement was up, this 60 year old man literally jumped into the air and clicked his heels.
Also I think your salary comparison between SD and Mizzou is short. Take a look at what you can buy for your money in MO, vs in SD. For $400K in MO you will live in a mansion, in SD a crummy condo. Your salary expectations in either situation are in the high 5 figures. In San Diego, you will be dirt poor. In MO, you will be well off. FOr a nice 4br 3ba house in San Diego, even with your $200K down, your mortgage will be oppressive. In MO, it will be peanuts. With the money you save in MO, you will be able to invest and retire far far earlier than you can in SD.
Check out the savings that accrues from that $1000 a month you won’t spend if you moved.
