There are a huge number of engineering jobs paying less than FAANG level, and some that are paying near that, where it is not nearly as bad as you've described.

There are a huge number of engineering jobs paying less than FAANG level, and some that are paying near that, where it is not nearly as bad as you've described. Personally those jobs still burn me out / depress me because I hate the industry and the job. But I can't imagine working somewhere that I felt I couldnt take a vacation. I make 240k total comp and I work about 5 hours a day remotely on average. I'm still thinking about quitting to do contracts and work less than half the year. I figure if I can make atleast 100 an hour I will be fine. I am fine living like a cheap bastard and don't have a family.