[mise_en_place]

So the company was a startup in the Bay Area, SF-based. At that time the wages were very competitive, and he was more senior than I was so most likely he was getting paid very well. He told me he wanted to save up as much as possible while maximizing his income, so he could buy a house in a cheaper cost of living area. He did succeed in that endeavor, and last I spoke with him still does the two job thing.

I know for me personally, one job is enough, especially considering that I like to maintain a very generous work-life balance (leaning heavily to the life side of the ratio). Not sure if his sacrifice was necessary, as I was also able to buy a house, it just took me longer. But some people are very type A workaholic types.