CaptainMark said:i see your point...but if money is not the issue..what is ? the love of flying..it seems this issue was brought up again because of the lost pensions.. MONEY!!! my issue is that if i retire early, i get penalized...now i will get penalized even more...is that fair? what about my B-fund..what happens to that? so i am having trouble figuring out how money is not the issue...and as far as others controlling our lives...we are pilots..most of of fly where we are told or are scheduled...so we are controlled constantly..thanks
Hey Captain Mark!
The discussion here is pretty good. Thanks.
I keep thinking about my grandfather, a truck mechanic, retired after 42 years of work at age 60. He died at 63. He retired, and lived comfortably for a very brief time. Typical of the life expectancy for a man born in 1890's.
My father retired after 33 years as a school teacher, a noble profession, and is living modestly but comfortably and will be 83 this March. He has been retired for almost as many years as he worked. He has exceeded the life expectancy for his generation, and is in excellent health.
I have a wife, 2 children, 2 cars, a house and a modest used boat. I live in comfort, save and invest, and I expect to be looking for a new job at age 60.
The post 9/11 airlines have started a disheartening trend that is spreading to other industries. Defined Benefit Retirement plans are being scrapped.
With the life expectancy growing ever longer, do you really think this is all about the money? I will work 36 years, for multiple employers, none of which are willing, or capable, of sustaining a portion of my income for the remainder of my life after 60.
How does your individual plan get affected? I don't know. Usually the longer you work, the better your benefit...if it is still funded by the time you retire. I hope it's there for you. Mine is already gone, and I have fewer years ahead, than I do behind.
So, "Whats the point?" you ask. The point is I've worked, saved, and managed the best I know how, and will not be able to simply retire. The majority of the contributors to this thread, whether they know it or not, are going to join me. The right for each of us to earn his keep is what I'm talking about. I don't want charity, pity, scorn, or respect.
It's about dignity.