[VanShuyten]

I’m one of those who did not have my (government) contract renewed, can’t get work in my field, and have had to “retire” 7 years earlier. Fortunately, Mrs. VanShuyten has a very good job and can work until she wants to leave - no mandatory retirement age for her position, but without her, I would be in a much poorer situation.

[buwaya]

You have my sympathy. I am skirting that edge myself. One of these years, unless the economy turns up.

[CatOwner]

I'm in a similar situation. Defense software systems for 30+ years. Company had been slowly laying off people the five year prior to finally getting around to me right around the 2012 election. Partly in response to sequestration.

I hadn't planned on retiring for about 3 more years, but finding anything other than a retail job with late hours and weekend work has been difficult. Thankfully, the wife's job is stable for now.