I had many WTF moments like others; especially the 1995 WT on 1914. That same year I graduated highschool and got a retail job. I was working overnights at this store in FT Myers, FL in 1999. I was only making $9.95 an hour but I met these two brothers working the same shift. One looked like he was in his 60's and the other late 40's early 50's. They were making around the same as me and was trying to support their family. They were nice men but I couldn't imagine struggling as an old man and not have a pot to piss in.
I was only in my early twenties then and had contributed to my 401k and IRA. Neither of these men knew nothing about retirement accounts or investing. I had more saved at 22 then they had at 50 and 62 combined. Now these men, if they are alive, are 65 and 77.
The relentless attacks on higher education and pursuing a career was it for me. I'm sadden from the personal stories I've read here of those who gave up their dreams in the 60's and 70's. Now they are older and feel they've been cheated.