When I was 31 or 32 years old I went from the job I had to one that paid me 3X's as much overnight. The key is to not change any of your behaviors. Honestly, if you can live like you have been for 3 more years and take the incremental income and invest it wisely, you will be set for the rest of your life. OR You could get a really nice place, start eating at really nice restaurants, start buying nice clothes etc and basically end up feeling like you're still just getting by. don't do that. Also, CONGRATS!!!!
Honestly, I don't see how I really could change my lifestyle in any significant ways. I know I'll buy more records and comic books, but that's not anything at all. Other than that, we're both very low-energy people who don't spend much. We will, of course, be outdoors and camping a lot more, because we'll have the spare change for the incidentals. And sweet, sweet vacation time. My big goal and gift to myself after I get more settled into the position will be a week or more backpacking trip in Montana, starting with a train ride to get there. I figure sometime around September of this year or March/June of next would be the estimated time for it. So I have something to plan for.
Well, hopefully I've given you a proper guide on how to take a train to or from MT.