[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Union carpenters who are continuously employed will do great, pretty much anywhere. Even if the pay is lower in a different area, it'll still be significantly higher compared to the cost of living in the lower-paying area.

Hubby's situation was similar. Not quite as good, on a much smaller scale, but the same type of thing. Union skilled tradesman at a journeyman level. All gone, 2 years too early for Social Security, 4 years before Medicare.

Stress level is through the roof until we sell our house up north. Once we get our mortgage and home equity line of credit brought to 0, we'll be fine. Between now and then, it's a daily dose of Xanax to prevent anxiety attacks.

Try to find another way to calm yourself. Xanax is considered highly addictive.