All my friends who worked in the public sector retired early. I don't envy them. They seem to spend a lot of time being free babysitters. And those guys my age sitting in Macdonalds when I pick up my morning coffee just give me the creeps. I like getting a real paycheck. I like the chance to work overtime. I like my Blue Cross extended health. I like getting up and going to work. I get 6 weeks vacation and that feels about right.