Let's review. I started at 18 yo. Went full time at 19 yo. I now have 39 years and counting. Our conference has 25,30,35 and out etc. What that means: 25 & out must be 57 or incur a $500 per month penalty-$2500(before taxes)-$2500-500=$2000(before taxes)(cannot BUY insurance until 57). Sound good? My conference only provides the opportunity to BUY private insurance. I have lived an average life, I believe. My Dad became disabled when I was 7, he never worked again. My Mom was the earner and had a decent not great job and did very well for a blue collar woman through the 70's and 80's. I didn't miss a meal and actually lived somewhat comfortably. My Mom deserves a Medal for grit and courage. So, what that means is that I didn't get much help saving to buy a house etc. or from GrandPa etc. My life has been pretty average. Still married after 30 years and 1 child. My wife stayed home until my child started public school. My wife works at a public school as a secretary and therefore doesn't make a whole lot etc. What does all that mean? I'd say we are pretty average for blue collar America.
Why am I still at UPS? Up until maybe 2 years ago(really even now), we were still feeling the effects of having a child: helped them(her, husband) buy a house, sold them my paid off truck at a criminal discount, paid for my kid's college etc. I do these things because I wanted my kid to have it better than I did and to give back. I am not complaining.
In my late 50's now and just now can breathe and have us time. I have a sleeper run and swimming in extra money(see above). It truly is wondrous. I feel calm even amidst all that is going on. IF everything that has been promised and earned comes to pass, I will live financially comfortable until death. My plan is to retire at 67 and draw SS and Medicare and my pension. Bad planning, masochistic? IDK. To me, it's been what everyone that I've ever known has done. Very few exceptions.
Why am I still at UPS? Money and benefits. I stand to make a couple million before retirement(as of now). We'll see. I'm not ready to take a $7k pay cut every month(approximate). If I quit, I'll have to work or drastically change my lifestyle. I LIKE having nice things and my hobbies.
Anyway, that's how it is.
at a mink ranch. That job paid good money for back then. If I recall right I got 6 bucks a day. I also worked for my dad cleaning business machines at his Office supply business after school and during the summers when I got to Jr. High. I also ran a trap line during trapping season in the woods and ponds behind my house in 5th and 6th grade. That got me 25 cents a muskrat hide. Other than about 3 months when I got out of the service and wanted to raise a little hell I've had some kind of job from 4th grade up until 2 years ago when I retired from my township job. That's 61 years of work . That's enough.
