I've not been that fortunate in my thirties: Like many, many others, I got laid off 4 times in the 90's--twice when SDI was cut back, when Crusader got cut and again when Darleen Druyun illegally awarded the C-130 AMP to Boeing, but I assure you, my credentials and resume were used on proposals to keep many an older engineer employed when they were substituted for me after winning the contract.
I'm doing well as long as my program hangs on, but based on recent successes the HASC has tried to kill my program because it is "too provocative" to other nations. You may be able to guess which progam I'm on--there aren't that many nowadays....
I'm the youngest engineer in my division at 40--I realized: "Oh crap, there is no one for me to be in charge of!"
However, while there is a shortage of younger engineers, I've got 4 baby-boomer bosses on the contractor and Gov side to check every aspect of my work.
I believe in working in defense, but I know I will suffer financially because of it: The Gravy Train has left the station and I was still in line for a ticket....
MDA?