h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My job is safe cos no-one else will do it

I've had positions like that too.

And it's a job for life

True, ... folks will always need to eat, eh?

Mine is fairly stable, in that for every generation of equipment that is finally retired, something else must follow it.

Very true

So what kind of wonderful diversions have you planned for the youngest Lady today? Of course, here some kids are ecstatic and others grumbling, ... school begins again.

She's have a day at home today

I would really have liked such a day too. But these people that keep sending me papers, saying they want money for this or that ...

I know it's a pain

I never give up hope though. I know that if I hunt long and hard enough, I'll find some relationship to Bill Gates of MicroSoft.

Maybe I'll win the lottery

That is my formal retirement plan, in fact. Well, if I don't get abducted by french-speaking Vienese aliens. And take for a skip to some exotic planet...

The odds are roughly similar.

The odds for our lottery is 14,000,000 to 1

I haven't heard what the odds are, for many MANY years. I only recall that they are indeed very steep. And so I continue to grumble, groan and go to work.

Same here, I do the lottery at work it's based on the Bonus Ball, an extra ball in the lottery draw, if your number is the bonus you win the pot usually about 30 pounds

I've managed to win as much as about 40 pounds. Beyond that, little more than "Free Plays". Just enough to stay interested. But who knows, eh? Not long ago, 21 co-workers at a lumber yard and construction company shared around 22-million-dollars. Not enough for each, for any younger person to retire, but certainly enough to set up their home and childrens education for many years.

Wow, a million would certainly help there

Looking at the changing cost of living, over say the next 40-50 years if you are a young family? And a million to me is about 440,000 pounds. Just for proper scale.

As I say, a very nice set-up, and the options of an easier life. But not free and clear for the duration ... Some work would still be needed, and careful management.

I was going to say 400,000 invested properly will give me an easy life but not for someone 20 years younger maybe

It would "ease" life, but not fully carry it, I wouldn't think. It would all depend on your life-style and age.

At my age, with a small military pension already, and simple tastes, it would be enough. But not for my daughter, her hubby, 3 kids, and so many years yet to go.