[goseeastarwar]

Makes perfect sense.

Option 1: buy $1.5M SF condo, continue with the startup rat race even though you effectively won the stock option lottery.

Option 2: move back to the Midwest where many grew up, buy $350k 4bd/4bth home, retire before you hit 40, and raise your kids near family.

[nwhatt]

Option 2 can involve working remotely, working for a Midwest startup, etc. if kids or retirement aren't appealing.

[hellisothers]

This. When people talk about leaving the area there is an assumption that not only will you be able to work for your current company remotely but you’ll also keobsbly keep your salary. Neither of these are necessarily true, especially for your _next_ job.