[RobbyS]

What were these idiots doing in the intervening twenty years???? From my limited observation, NOT starting second careers. The pensions were high enough to encourage most of them just to take it easy. Did not have to worry about sending kids through college, because they did not believe in doing that. Kids went from high school into the factories, expecting the same deal their father's got. Sort of like the kid who inherited his father's car dealership.

[bestintxas]

“The pensions were high enough to encourage most of them just to take it easy.”

I agree. I’ve read about some complaining that they are having a tougher time making ends meet on the second home upstate they own.

Reminder: These are blue collar workers just assembling parts. Not to disparage them, but why should what they vault them into the upper tier of workers?

[CaptainK]

My Dad retired from his first job at 62 and worked his second job for another 4 years.

My father in law worked in constructive until he was 60.

I have a hard time drumming up sympathy for a 54 year old retiree.