Postponed Reward

Joe began his teaching career the same year I began mine. Unfortunately, a budget crisis in thec70's got him laid off. Fortunately, he found another career and never looked back. This new career came with a big paycheck and lots of perks. Joe traveled quite a bit and built up an amazing amount of points that allowed him and his family to take fabulous trips all over the world. Joe bought new cars constantly, had multiple homes an in essence, lived the good life.

Joe is now in the time of life when not working is inviting. He would love to retire but his career did not come with a pension plan and continued health benefits. He doesn't see a way to retire and keep living the life he likes to live.

Joe resents my pension and believes I am getting a check each month that I don't deserve. Joe forgets the cars, homes and vacations I never took. He forgets the expensive colleges his children attended. He only sees his present situation.

Joe could have returned to teaching. He didn't because he wanted a job that paid well. He got that and more.

I never begrudged him his life and has no right to begrudge mine. I worked hard for every penny I am getting now. No one is giving me anything I did not earn.