Just because the wife earned more doesn’t mean OP would get alimony. In many states the bar to receive alimony is now that the lesser earner earns less than needed to support themselves (how that line is calculated varies by state) - it is not a question of the lesser earner continuing the lifestyle they had during the marriage. OP has a job. In many jurisdictions, that alone is the end of the alimony consideration.

Even if OP was entitled to two years of $500/month alimony (which would be a lot in many jurisdictions these days, alimony isn’t what it used to be), the wife could make it cost OP $20k in legal fees for that to get awarded. OP is smart to be forward looking and pragmatic about his budget.