If I knew then what I know now...

What you say is very true - I was at a crossroads in life when it was time to re-enlist in the Army, I wasn't happy with where the Army was going - circa 1989, race wars in barracks, slovenly soldiers/Sergeants etc etc.  I walked into a 'saloon' in outside Ft Huachuca, Arizona, bartender served my beer, and a guy at then end said "Man, you look like you just lost your best friend"   I said "Well, it's time to re-enlist and I think I'll just get out, after 12 years"  He said "Boy, I won't tell you what to do, but I am retired US Army, 68 years old, no family, live in a small ranch style house, but you know??  No one has to pay my rent for me, I have retirement check for life"   I mulled that over and decided to re-up, best decision I ever made.   That paved my way for retirement at 40 years old, another career, and another retirement, then at 66 Social Security........I am set for life.  I am now what they call a "Triple Dipper" 3 Government retirement annuities, and I earned every one of them.     peace

@PhuNinhTim

That’s a great story — and a powerful reminder of how one moment, one conversation, can shape the rest of your life.

What stands out is not just the decision itself, but the timing. You were at a genuine crossroads, and you paused long enough to think it through rather than reacting to what was happening around you at the time. A lot of people walk away in those moments and only realise the long-term impact years later.

Your point about security also lands well. Having that base income for life gives you options — not just financially, but in how you choose to live and work afterwards. It’s something many expats don’t fully appreciate until much later, especially those who step away from structured systems without putting something else in place.

“Triple dipper” made me smile — but behind that is decades of discipline and sticking with a path when it would have been easier not to.

Appreciate you sharing that — exactly the kind of perspective people benefit from hearing.