[pc86]

I agree with everything you said but just wanted to add RSUs/options are only even offered to a slim minority of software developers nationally. I am well paid for my job generally, and particularly for my area, but even something like an employee stock ownership program is extremely rare around here and outright RSU/option grants are unheard of. You'd get laughed out of any interview for even suggesting an ESOP to most places that don't have it.

[ghaff]

That's certainly fair and many ESOP plans are not really an especially good deal. Over the past few decades, in spite of a couple significant downturns, even index funds would have done pretty well for you with regular contributions. But having some good stock wins in addition to that certainly can help.