I started at age 24...retired at 44....there is a saying we had..."20 and out". Did my 20, retired April 24,2004 arrived in Florida from NYC April 25, 2004...its a good feeling when you go to the mailbox and see that fat pension check waiting there. I've been Blessed and I Thank the Good Lord everyday, but please remember life is short, keep your eyes on the prize, and please plan now because as someone posted "I have 25 years left before I can retire"....don't be fooled, it will be here before you know it. The man that has a job, that he loves what he is doing is, a very lucky man! But sometimes we got to do what we got to do, and like the commercial says.....just do it...there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, I promise you