Originally Posted by Gunfighter

​​​When you lost your pension and took a paycut, some of us lost our jobs, lost our health insurance, sold our houses and moved our families just to survive. The difference in outcomes over the last 20 years between the winners and the whiners is attitude and actions. Crying over losses rather than addressing reality creates a victim (loser) mindset. It's been 20 years, you've had time to mourn the loss of a pension and move on. You even warn today's youngins to plan ahead so they aren't told "you should have planned better". The missing component is that plans require updates. Your pension plan didn't work out. If you had adjusted 20 years ago, things might be different today. Doing that would have required setting down the victim card. You can't win and still be the victim.

I am thankful for the insight provided by prior generations and thankful they have recorded some of that knowledge in books like "Flying the Line". Understanding the financial risks and cyclical nature of this industry are essential to planning for retirement. Without that guidance, I probably would have mistaken sandy soil for a solid foundation.

The younger generation should take your advice to heart. If you are new or even mid career, don't rely on today's promises. In 20 years you can look back and know you "planned better". Have a contingency plan if things go sideways. You still have time to impact your retirement in a positive manner.

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