Do you have $400?

[RetiredRR]

Interesting read. My only response is "priorities". Another good one is "choice". This comes from being raised by a dad that taught me about choices. I remembered them
well and lived by them. If only my dad had lived by what he taught. Our family learned at an early age about "itchy feet". He couldn't work for another person and he
couldn't stay in one place long enough to make a go of anything he attempted. He taught me well. I never wanted to follow in his foot steps. I promised myself as a teen
that I would do better, and in my mind I did. I learned what it took to become a team player and how to roll with a changing work atmosphere. I became more proficient
at my job than any other operator and it paid dividends. I learned early that all jobs do not exist just down the street so I can be home for lunch and in my own bed every night.
I learned to reach out beyond my safe zone and test the work climates in other states and work areas. You have to be willing to step out of your safe zone and
believe you can overcome any obstacles. The good jobs are out there if your willing to do what is necessary to hold them. The railroads are looking for men willing to
step out there and hold down good paying jobs and reap the benefits of a good retirement. The young men today are not willing to take that step anymore. Too easy to
sit at home and hold their hands out. I see too much of it and have talked with too many young men and they are not willing to take that step. So the jobs go to the
outside contractors that hire the illegals. So sad and so true. We can be our own worst enemies when we are afraid to take the step and take the job that is beyond our
safe zones. So sad. We raised a nephew that had a great job for 15 years making more money than I ever did. His pay checks were in the neighborhood of $10,000.00 per month and he gave it up so he could be home every night in his own bed with his wife. Priorities change for everyone and so goes the choice to make less money.
Now he flounders from payday to payday and the company he works for is floundering financially. He realizes why and he has tried to turn the company around, but
when the big fancy home bug bites you, you become consumed with material things more than the money making business. Priorities and choices can be tough.
Money isn't everything........but it does grease the skids so they slide better. My opinions may not be agreeable with others, but I've learned they worked for me.