But it’s law enforcement, I’d get a ridiculous pension at 50yo 
of course everyone continues to work in a different field either way
of course everyone continues to work in a different field either way
I actually was in a very similar situation last year. Had the opportunity to trade my work from "remote" tech job for a union blue collar government job, could've retired in 20 years with a pension but I would've had to take almost a 50% pay cut upfront, after 4-5 years it would've reached where I am now. I saw it this way:
Pros:
- pension
- early retirement (in theory)
- unmatched job security
Cons:
- irregular schedule for a number of years
- working with some of the dumbest people on the face of the Earth
- wear and tear on my body, specifically on area's I've already had surgery on
- that reduced income over 5 years, assuming a similar raise to what I got this year with a slightly reduced bonus, would come out to roughly $161,000. Invested in SPY with that difference averaged over 5 years, then left for 15 would be about $800,000. Could never make that money up.
After working both for a time, I stuck with the white collar job and ultimately think I've made the correct decision.
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Even if I don't participate myself.