I got 30 years now at age 52, what's the difference if I retire now than at 55? Cuz all this you're fired stuff makes me nervous, don't do this don't do that, take lunch. Miss the old days!
I was one of those 30 and OUT guys! I was 49 the last day I worked. Under the western agreement you had to be 50 to get medical. I did that with vacations and sick days to make that happen. I was prepared for that as for years I saved all the days I could.
As "what's the difference at 52 or 55" ? To me! Virtually nothing. Either you are financially ready or your not? Make sure you understand any work after retirement is restricted by the union who pays your annuity.
There are no guaranties! Economy could unwind, your health can take a turn for the worse, many things can happen! Missing life due to working, that is something you can never recover! I have been gone 12 years this Cinco de Mayo and have never looked back to regret that decision. The UPS/Teamster job worked for me! Then again, I started preparing to retire from the first year I got the job so I could retire the first minute I could!