[Alberta's Child]

That point you raise is disingenuous (not necessarily deliberately so, on your part).

It's only compulsory because this is a defined-benefit pension fund, not a self-directed IRA or 401(k) plan. If your employer is responsible for managing your pension, then the employer has a lot of control over what you contribute.

Social Security "contributions" are a tax. A pension contribution is not.

[Night Hides Not]

Federal workers also have a generous 401k match. On top of the Thrift Savings Plan, which is matched 1 for 1 up to 5% of one's salary, many agencies include their own 401k in addition to the TSP, with the same match.

IOW, where can you work where your 401k contribution is matched 100% up to the first 10% of your salary?