How do you know that? How do you know that tens of thousands retired comfortably? If people are living paycheck to paycheck with 2% raises and a joke of a pension I doubt they retired comfortably. Lucky you got in when you did.Keep in mind tens of thousands of couriers managed to save for a comfortable retirement despite the length of time it took to top out. Some retired comfortably and never topped out. Do you know how? It is called proper money management and living within your means while putting money in your 401k. Qualities you never figured out.