[Roy78]

As someone who works for the government and makes almost more than 50% less than those in the private sector doing the same thing (according to national studies for my profession at my level) this is depressing. I don't know, in the back of my mind I want to launch my own startup and get out of where I am now. My equal co-worker just left a month ago and is making 5x what she was making (in a senior capacity to myself) really makes me question myself. Although, I am getting by just fine and living 10 minutes from work is hard to let go.

[NonEUCitizen]

Don't you get a very nice risk-free pension (defined-benefit)? Most of private industry has switched to 401K (defined-contribution).

[Roy78]

Well in theory yes, but who knows. I still have a roth and 457 IRA just in case. My state has repeatedly declined cost of living increases for retired state workers for several years now. The gains in the pension system have steadily been above 10% but that has not stopped the state from putting its hands in its pension funds (I am in Louisiana).