So, don't play the game! My formula = (1) live in slightly cheaper neighbourhood. Your kids will be at school with a healthy diversity of people. (2) If you dri

So, don't play the game! My formula = (1) live in slightly cheaper neighbourhood. Your kids will be at school with a healthy diversity of people. (2) If you drive, something uncool / old-but-reliable. That's 2 big costs reduced. Then, develop and nurture a long-shelf-life vendor-independent skillset e:g Linux, command-line, python which'll always be in demand. If your employer then demands crazy hours, easier to walk away. Less well-paid university or gov't jobs may be the answer. BTW there's a conflict in the treadmill argument. Companies that push harder and harder will eventually fail if important people burn out. I worked in the USA for a bit. Sometimes I blatantly left earlier than my colleagues. Cos the mountains beckoned. Possibly annoyed some management. Didn't get fired though. Cos had good skills! Good luck don't let The Man win. ;)