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My Daddy was an Aerospace Engineer (Chemical, Mechanical)...who worked for a number of Aerospace companies starting in the 1950's. Whenever a contract was completed the companies would lay off the entire engineering staff...who than had to find other jobs within the industry. Once an engineer hit 45 or so he would find it increasingly difficult to find new employment in the field. You can hire a new college grad for less money. Remember tis is the 1950's and early 1960's. So whats new boyz????

Finally Daddy went to work for the US Navy as a civilian engineer when he was 52. He was hired in as a GS-13. He mainly did that to creat a retirement for himself.

My Daddy always said if you have substantial money in the bank, it makes it alot easier to go to work and pick up the stick when the boss tells U to... The way Daddy got his money was by SAVING it, and investing it.

I personally owe no company any loyalty as an employee, the only time I would feel loyal to a company is if on the day I died they wouyld lower the flag to half mast and give a day off with pay to the employees for my funeral....I have always felt that when I went to work I was there working for MYSELF and not the company. It is up to me to chose what I do with the money I made as an employee...they don't force you to buy that SUV. So I say live behind the curve and invest the rest.....

BTW: I/ my family never lived high on the hog.....I remember once my Daddy took me out to dinner...he has never forgiven me for ordering a $7.00 Desert. He always throws that in my face...I had to tell him I learned how to make that desert in order to shut him up...will that old sob ever give me a break?