<p>So few folks have “guaranteed pensions” these days, which makes retirement assets so difficult to predict and manage, OP/smalllab. We can no longer look ahead & know that when we retire, we will regularly get a set amount (which some of the old-fashioned pensions promised). </p>
<p>So much depends now on each person as an individual making good investment and savings choices and even then we can have things lose tremendous amounts due to circumstances far beyond our control (like the current financial crisis).</p>
<p>It is important to find what we really enjoy that can pay the bills–many times our skills can be used in different ways, some of which provide better compensation than others. Finding a way to earn a living doing what we love–that is really something worth striving for and leads to great satisfaction, professionally and personally. Perhaps that is what was trying to be conveyed to you? I know that personally I’m happiest & the folks I know and most admire are happiest when we are able to do this.</p>