why do you guys have such a hard time understanding his story?

Everything is perspective. For the guys on the outside, they would gladly trade places.

But as a new guy at UPS myself, I understand where he is coming from. I am not ready to quit, but I am glad to be away for a while (VLOA) so at least there is some stability in my life.

My advice would be to hang in there and look for the light at the end of the tunnel - even if it involves a furlough or more displacements.

This is still THE place to be, and will be that way even more so after the economy recovers and age 65 has run its course (2012.)

good luck!