I think for many people, in particular people who are looking for personal development rather than just compensation, the difference between 200k and 400k is probably not meaningful.
Personally, I don't think I'd ever give up a software engineering job for a managerial position even if the compensation was higher.
> the difference between 200k and 400k is probably not meaningful.
Where these compensation packages are given so frequently (SV), it is very meaningful. It's the difference between being able to buy a home vs being forced to rent a 1-bedroom apartment.
I'm not sure I understand your meaning. Are you saying that buying a house delays retirement? I'm not sure that is really true.
Mortgage payments gets you equity on your home, which goes a long way in retirement. Rent payments disappear, and you will have to continue to pay rent when retired.
Right, this, sorry if it wasn't clear. It all depends on how much extra you have. I mean, if 200k is just making ends meet, 400k means infinitely larger savings!
Personally, I don't think I'd ever give up a software engineering job for a managerial position even if the compensation was higher.