BTW-had my Dad decided to be a shop rat back in 1960 I probably would have been one as well. Glad he chose another option although insurance didn't have the same bennies and security, he was happy doing it.
Both of my Grandfathers worked in the shop. One as an engineer at AC Spark Plug. He was also a pilot who built his own plane as well as having a passion for a little German car.
Ok, it was VW's but I'm told he liked Porsche but couldn't afford one with 7 kids.
In fact, the office that he occupied at AC was just torn down this past week as they are leveling the entire site now that Delphi has sold off those lines.
Oh, one other thing, I'm surrounded by retirees from GM/Delphi. Literally, the gal next door, the guy behind us, the lady across the street, and the wierd guy down the block all used the 30 and out option.
My other one was a shop rat, working on the line. I didn't know him as he passed long before I was born.