Would anyone NOT retire in these circumstances?

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Ozarks Crescent Mural

The person I rent from retired at 55 from a state government job because he was tired of the politics. It was a toss up for him too financially. If he'd stayed until 70, he'd get twice the pension, but he didn't know if he'd even live that long or much longer after that to make it worth it. He now works as a craftsman at Silver Dollar City and loves it. He doesn't make much money, but with his retirement, he's doing fine and he's happier than ever.

I've got to admit, while reading your post, my face looked like the Smiley with the wide open circle mouth. I had no idea that government people were getting paid that much for doing nothing. Absolutely no offense intended toward you at all. I can absolutely tell you are a decent person. I'm just naive.

I'm sure some are. However, my wife and I are both government retirees from our former state and I can assure you that we worked very hard for our salaries, benefits and retirements. I recall many times coming home after a day only to link to my office systems with my home computer and continuing to work - call-backs at 9:00 p.m. that might keep me at the office until 3:00 a.m. only to turn around and be back there at 8:00 the same morning - weekends that weren't because of tight deadlines or program crises that had to be met and dealt with.

Are there those civil "servants" who take advantage of union protections and do the bare minimum? Of course there are. But by-and-large, the people we both worked with were very professional and driven to give back as much or more than they received. I don't believe it's just because we both worked in politics and legislation (for different agencies) which are very demanding. I believe it was because of darn good work ethics.

As with most things, we can't all be painted with the same broad brush.

[texdav]

I think perhaps what is really eating at you is that you are kept at arms length but close enough to see that unethical things are going on.Even if you came forward ;its unlike your evidence is admissable.But as a member of the court even being that close takes a great toll on yourself opinion. I say the toll isn't worth the benefit you'll receive staying any longer.At times we have to make decisions of what we can actually affect and what we have to walk away from to not support by being any part of it.Time to breathe some clean air and rebuild some of that faith you have loss in yourself and others. good Luck