Mike Rowe warns government enabling men to quit work

[Myles]

6 minutes ago, Gromdor said:

Interestingly enough, Rick Scott is running for Senate and one of his platforms is to financial hurt the poor to force them to work: Rick Scott announces Senate run, promises to push 'controversial' plan that forces the poor to pay more taxes (msn.com)

“I’m going to continue to push it," Scott told NBC. “I tell people these are my ideas. Let’s start fighting over ideas. If Democrats have a better way of getting people back to work, it doesn’t seem to be working. Labor participation rates are down. We’re not creating full-time jobs. Look at the job market. All we’re doing for last few months is adding part-time jobs. That’s not a great economy. Inflation: 40-year high. If we did what I put in my plan, then it would be better for Americans, all Americans.”

According to NBC, the senator individuals are opting out of work, and that, perhaps, forcing more of them to work “would grow the workforce and expand the number of taxpayers.”- from the article.

Being MSN, I take it with a grain of salt.  He actually said he would not raise taxes so MSN is fibbing a bit.   I do agree with him that we need to force people to get a job.

[Myles]

15 minutes ago, Gromdor said:

I've always been told about the 4% rule and used that as the general basis for my retirement: William Bengen - Wikipedia

The idea is to have it so that your expenses equal 4% of you total savings during retirement.  I plan to live the same so let's say I need $100,000.00/yr for me an my wife to live (and vacation) like we do.  Thus, that 4% of my retirement total must be $100,000.00.  A bit of math and that comes out to $2,500,000.00 as a target number in savings.

 

Using that rule $750,000 will let you live a $30,000/yr lifestyle.  (You can add in social security too).  That's not a bad or unreasonable lifestyle.  

Granted this is an old method and probably needs some tweaking, but I still think it is a good rule of thumb to help figure out what people need if they want to truly retire.

I can't say I use a method to my savings.   I just live a thrifty lifestyle so that I can enjoy a few things better.   I love the home and land I am on (almost paid off) and will be able to net over 1/4 of a million when and if I sell it.  Never had any other loan, Bought cars with cash that I saved.  Drive nice vehicles; 2018 Hyundai Elantra, 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe.   Also have a 2008 Chevy Avalanche that I will sell come spring.  There is nothing that my wife or I want that we do not have.  

Our retirement plans are not really known right now.  Most depends on our health and how we feel.  Many retirees cannot wait to move south.  Currently I would just stay in northern Indiana but maybe the cold will bother me more in a decade or so.  Travel will be the biggest expense.

[+razman]

On 1/27/2023 at 1:14 AM, acidhead said:

Just curious... What would you do if you weren't working? I only ask because a lot of people don't really have anything to do once they retire and they become horribly out of shape just doing basic laborious things.

No No , always can find something to do. If i have to i can dig up the grass and replace the lawn around the house every couple weeks. I'm getting ready to join Planet Fitness too , getting ready for spring. 

[preacherman76]

On 1/27/2023 at 3:37 AM, Piney said:

I'm pushing 55 and I'm not. 

I’m only 46, and can’t wait till my ship comes in. 
 

Anyhow, I have recently become a program director for a tractor trailer school. So far 99% of my students have been foreigners. 
 

The stories these folks tell me about where they came from gives me a new perspective on gratitude. 

[+Desertrat56]

On 1/27/2023 at 2:46 AM, jmccr8 said:

Hi Desertrat 

I don’t know but when I was growing up we had chores so we’re conditioned to your from an early age, my dad told me when I was in grade school that he was going to send my older brother and younger sister to university and me and my younger brother would have to make our own way in life be the couldn’t afford to send us all to school.

I got a rotor tiller when I was 12 and dragged it a gas can, rake, and a garden fork in a 10 block radius from home every spring and fall earning my own money. I did a lot of yard work and painting in the warm weather then later got a snow blower to do sidewalks and driveways all winter.

Maybe they should be taught you will have to do whatever you can to get ahead in life.

What year did you graduate high school, may I ask?  In the 70's when I graduated most people who went to college were able to afford it by working part time (or for some full  time at night) and sharing an apartment with others.    It was a lot easier back then.   

I agree with you, kids were given (usually) the knowledge and expectation to take care of themselves and that included earning money.   And "getting ahead in life" isn't how I would put it, more like surviving and attempting to thrive.   I got more skills from the army that I use in all the jobs I have had than I did in college, but the college degree got me the first job.   And the others I got because of my experience, not my college degree.

Edited January 28 by Desertrat56

[+Desertrat56]

On 1/27/2023 at 4:32 AM, Piney said:

I made firewood for 2 woodstove dealers, tuned and repaired hunting bows , tracked down and shot wild dogs for cranberry and blueberry growers, trapped and sold the furs to a broker for Sears and rode out ******* horses. On top of my farm chores.

 Then once in a while I would get grabbed by one of my grandfather's farmer pals to help them repair vehicles and equipment because my little arms could reach something they couldn't.

 

 

 

Before I left high school I worked the family business and by the time I graduated I was running the family business, but I only got paid one summer and only for the dog grooming I did.   Sometimes my dad would tell me I need to get a job and I wuold ask "who will get ...." done if I have a job on top of everything else?   He was a piece of work.   

[spartan max2]

1 hour ago, preacherman76 said:

I’m only 46, and can’t wait till my ship comes in. 
 

Anyhow, I have recently become a program director for a tractor trailer school. So far 99% of my students have been foreigners. 
 

The stories these folks tell me about where they came from gives me a new perspective on gratitude. 

I'm with yah. I like my job and if still happily not work if I didn't need to lol.

I would have zero trouble filling my day with hobbies or other activities.

[Gromdor]

1 hour ago, preacherman76 said:

I’m only 46, and can’t wait till my ship comes in. 
 

Anyhow, I have recently become a program director for a tractor trailer school. So far 99% of my students have been foreigners. 
 

The stories these folks tell me about where they came from gives me a new perspective on gratitude. 

My ex-brother in law always used that, "Waiting for my ship to come in." saying.  I tell him, "You at least have to go to the port, bud."

Here in Iowa many of the tractor trailer drivers have been immigrants too.  Too much talk about it being automated in the future turns off alot of the American drivers.  Who wants to invest in a career that might be obsolete in 5-10 years?  But for an immigrant, it is a work visa and a decent income.

I totally hear you on the stories.  Some are sad/funny- I knew an Irish gal who was an illegal.  She was busted for smuggling drugs to England but fled the country to the US.  She landed a job in the US doing English dubs for Japanese Hentai cartoons. Another guy that originally flew in (to deliberately overstay his visa and become an illegal) and worked in a meat packing plant, got home sick, crossed the Southern border to go back, got reverse homesick, crossed the border back the other way, met a gal, got married, got citizenship and ended up working for Fisher Valves.  I attented their youngest son's highschool graduation about 3 years ago.

Some stories angered me.  Had an engineer from Pakistan at a chemical plant in Northern Iowa.  He was a nice guy, but he showed up not long after 9-11.  The plant maintenance people debliberately sabotaged his projects and bragged about it.  One was even talking about how he joined the Klu Klux Klan over him- which I thought was strange because the guy was Catholic.  But he said they loosened the rules.  Amir (the engineer) even confided in me that both he and his family were being treated poorly and he ended up going back to Pakistan.

[+Desertrat56]

On 1/27/2023 at 12:14 AM, acidhead said:

Just curious... What would you do if you weren't working? I only ask because a lot of people don't really have anything to do once they retire and they become horribly out of shape just doing basic laborious things.

You are talking about men.   I know men who just moved to the couch in front of the television when they retired.  All the women I know who are retired are very busy.   You have to start your hobbies before you retire so that you do have something to keep you busy when you retire.   

[Gromdor]

1 minute ago, Desertrat56 said:

You are talking about men.   I know men who just moved to the couch in front of the television when they retired.  All the women I know who are retired are very busy.   You have to start your hobbies before you retire so that you do have something to keep you busy when you retire.   

One of my friends that retired joined the competitive fishing circuit.  He also did free work at a local shop that makes custom gun parts in exchange for the use of their equipment and tools.  So now he goes on fishing trips to Canada and Alaska for fun and prizes.  But another just became a couch potato at his house.  

[Myles]

3 minutes ago, Desertrat56 said:

What year did you graduate high school, may I ask?  In the 70's when I graduated most people who went to college were able to afford it by working part time (or for some full  time at night) and sharing an apartment with others.    It was a lot easier back then.   

I agree with you, kids were given (usually) the knowledge and expectation to take care of themselves and that included earning money.   And "getting ahead in life" isn't how I would put it, more like surviving and attempting to thrive.   I got more skills from the army that I use in all the jobs I have had than I did in college, but the college degree got me the first job.   And the others I got because of my experience, not my college degree.

Unfortunately many people do not teach their kids that life skill that helps them in many ways.  Still, many do teach it.  Just not as much as it used to be taught.   My wife tells me that out of a class of 30 high school juniors and seniors, only 13 had a job.  That seems crazy low as most restaurants and stores in town are hiring.  My daughters, both, always had a job and saved some money.  My youngest, who is in college, comes home every other weekend and teaches swim lessons.  $12 an hour.  She is a city employee and also lifeguards when possible.   The high end BBQ restaurant in town - Soul Pig still has her as an employee and she works there on breaks and in the summer.  She makes great tips.  Usually over $100 for a 4 hour shift. When a child earns their own money, when they spend some they understand how finances work a little more than those who do not.  

[Myles]

8 minutes ago, spartan max2 said:

I'm with yah. I like my job and if still happily not work if I didn't need to lol.

I would have zero trouble filling my day with hobbies or other activities.

Same here.  I can't find the time to do many hobbies I would like to get into.   Also have several projects around the house and land that would take up allot of my time.  

I think an aging retiree who lived in an apartment would be the one's to worry about.  Especially if they retired without much extra money.  

[+Desertrat56]

5 minutes ago, Myles said:

Unfortunately many people do not teach their kids that life skill that helps them in many ways.  Still, many do teach it.  Just not as much as it used to be taught.   My wife tells me that out of a class of 30 high school juniors and seniors, only 13 had a job.  That seems crazy low as most restaurants and stores in town are hiring.  My daughters, both, always had a job and saved some money.  My youngest, who is in college, comes home every other weekend and teaches swim lessons.  $12 an hour.  She is a city employee and also lifeguards when possible.   The high end BBQ restaurant in town - Soul Pig still has her as an employee and she works there on breaks and in the summer.  She makes great tips.  Usually over $100 for a 4 hour shift. When a child earns their own money, when they spend some they understand how finances work a little more than those who do not.  

Both of my daughters had jobs when they were in high school too.   The oldest went straight to college and worked her way through, though later when she decided to get an MBA she did use student loans because she was working full time and most of her spare money was going to daycare.   The younger one worked after high school and also did a Pharmacy tech program, then worked at a hospital for many years, doing her degree online.   She also had 2 kids along the way so it took her a little longer once she started to get her degree.  And she did get student loans, which worries me because she will probably be paying them off into her 70's.  Her college degree did not get her a 3 figure salary like the daughter with the MBA.

[Myles]

6 minutes ago, Myles said:

The high end BBQ restaurant in town - Soul Pig still has her as an employee and she works there on breaks and in the summer.  She makes great tips.  Usually over $100 for a 4 hour shift. 

Sorry for this but I have to go into "Proud Papa" mode for a moment.  

In the first couple months after she started at Soul Pig, a sewage leak developed in the basement of the restaurant and they had to shut down until it was fixed and cleaned up.   The owners (2 gay gays) didn't like the idea of pulling the junk that was down there somewhat littered with sewage out to get it to the dump, so they asked all the employees if they would help on Saturday.  My daughter was the only one that showed up.  She brought our truck and trailer as well.  She spent the day hauling stuff up, putting it into the trailer and taking it to the dump.  She was the owners favorite after that, of course.  They gave her a $500 gift card to Ruth's Chris steak house (very high end) and let her choose when she wanted to work and whatever function she wanted.   That is why she is still an employee even though she has not worked a shift for awhile.  I was so proud of her for doing that.

[Piney]

1 hour ago, preacherman76 said:

I’m only 46, and can’t wait till my ship comes in. 
 

Anyhow, I have recently become a program director for a tractor trailer school. So far 99% of my students have been foreigners. 
 

The stories these folks tell me about where they came from gives me a new perspective on gratitude. 

The guys who moved all our equipment to the new yard were all Ukrainians. 

It was too much for my regular guy who drops at jobsites.

[Piney]

27 minutes ago, Desertrat56 said:

Before I left high school I worked the family business and by the time I graduated I was running the family business, but I only got paid one summer and only for the dog grooming I did.   Sometimes my dad would tell me I need to get a job and I wuold ask "who will get ...." done if I have a job on top of everything else?   He was a piece of work.   

My grandmother and uncle wanted me to take over her flower shops. I helped on and off, but I hated it. Then during covid one of her friends she sent me to be mentored called and asked me to fix and run her business.

I did it just long enough to get money together to recover assets that I had stashed and needed a lawyer to recover. On top of the fact I kept catching covid from customers. 

[jmccr8]

1 hour ago, Desertrat56 said:

What year did you graduate high school, may I ask?  In the 70's when I graduated most people who went to college were able to afford it by working part time (or for some full  time at night) and sharing an apartment with others.    It was a lot easier back then.   

I agree with you, kids were given (usually) the knowledge and expectation to take care of themselves and that included earning money.   And "getting ahead in life" isn't how I would put it, more like surviving and attempting to thrive.   I got more skills from the army that I use in all the jobs I have had than I did in college, but the college degree got me the first job.   And the others I got because of my experience, not my college degree.

Hi Desertrat 

I never finished high school as I got tired of the beat downs that I got from my dad and didn’t want to give him one back so left home and started working then went into the military for a 3 year term.

Where I got out met my first wife and started working in construction and got divorced married and divorced again then ended up getting certified as a journeyman fitter fabricator for structural steel and pressure vessels. I did get 4 welding tickets so did a lot of custom metal fabrication. When I was 30 I went to university to study philosophy for a year and a half after I fell off a building. I ended up with lower back problems that workers compensation wouldn’t cover and knew I was going to have to fight with the government which is why I studied philosophy. It took 18 years before I was able to get the back surgery I needed so during that time I sent myself up as a contractor and went from there.