When I resigned my government job after 18 years I was making an annual salary of more than $150,000.  Comprehensive health insurance for me and the family was costing me less than $400 a month while the government picked up the substantial difference.  I had a defined benefit retirement plan and was maxing out my 401(k) annually with an employer match.  I got 12 paid holidays a year and over 4-weeks of paid vacation.  I also got paid sick leave.  My commute was a 30-minute bike ride along the Potomac River.