Dear Editor,
I would like to comment on Cynthia Walker’s column of March 13
lamenting the comparative early retirement of government employees
such as firefighters. She states that she and her husband may
retire at age 70.
Dear Editor,
I would like to comment on Cynthia Walker’s column of March 13 lamenting the comparative early retirement of government employees such as firefighters. She states that she and her husband may retire at age 70.
Does Ms. Walker want a group of 69-year-old firefighters to show up if her house catches fire? I would think not.
Many public servants risk their lives to help their cities, states and the U.S. in general. Whether they are fighting fires in Gilroy, running clandestine CIA operations in Singapore, or supporting our troops in Iraq, many government employees have stressful jobs. Job burnout is high.
I retired from a government position at age 51. However, I made decisions along the way that allowed me to accept an early retirement offer. Most of my co–workers could not and will probably work until 60 or later. On the other hand, I do know several private sector employees who retired at age 40. It’s rare, but it does happen.
As my favorite football coach, Vince Lombardi used to say, “Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.”
Carl Jacobson, Bangkok, Thailand
