I currently work in robotics in a HCOL area though I live with my spouse and we have relatively low rent, I'm salaried at around $120k a year, plus some stock grants that fluctuate in value a fair amount. I'm very strongly considering leaving this job and career and going back to school to become a PA or an RN, leaning more towards the former after talking to folks in the profession. I've been funneling about 15% of my paycheck into maxing out an IRA, and sending the remainder into my 401k with a small employer match. The employer match is up to $5,000 a year (with some max percentage per paycheck, can't exactly recall). If I do return to school I would continue working until April, when a stock incentive plan would vest and pay out something like $20-40k.…