Re-certifying Punching Myself in the Balls

Graduated law school in 2014 with a boatload of debt. Knew I was never going to actually pay it off, so I went on IBR right away and started a side fund for the eventual tax bomb. Payments started around $120/month, crept up to $148 by 2019. Felt like I had a plan.

Then 2018 I got married. We filed separately at first (smart). Then COVID hit, payments paused, recertification got frozen, and I just stopped paying attention. Last two years we filed jointly because it was easier and saved us a few grand on taxes. I genuinely never made the connection that this would blow up my IBR payment. I've been paying $148/month for almost 7 years thinking I had this figured out.

Just got my recertification notice. New payment starting June 12: $1,600/month.

Household AGI is around $200K (no PSLF, private firm). Balance is $327K at 7%. I know intellectually that $1,600 is just IBR doing what IBR does at that income level. I know MFS next year will probably knock it down. I know I'll survive this.

But I'm sitting here tonight feeling like a complete idiot. Two years of MFJ convenience probably cost me tens of thousands. And honestly, part of me figured society would collapse before the bill came due. Turns out it didn't.

Anyone else getting hit with the post-SAVE recertification reality check? Is just re-filing next year at MFS my only option? Thoughts (and prayers) are welcome.