One of the criticisms you sometimes hear of the Retire Early idea is that it is something that was cooked up for the benefit of spoiled Yuppies. There's some truth in that, but I do not at all believe that it is a complete truth.
There are some ways in which it is easier for blue-collar workers to win financial freedom early in life. Those in white-collar jobs often have big loans for college and graduate school to pay off. Advancement in a white-collar career often requires attention to image--living in the right house, driving the right car, wearing the right clothes--and that costs money. Blues with union protection often can be sure in advance of what time they will be able to leave their primary job, and that opens up the option of moonlighting.
I think that overall whites have the edge. The big benefit of white-collar work is the promotion opportunities. I've known a lot of people who started out in jobs that didn't pay much but who impressed their bosses and who were ultimately placed into pretty darn good jobs because they were known commodities. There are not as many alternate routes up the ladder in the blue-collar world.
Still, I believe that there are a number of interesting angles to the question. I was fascinated by a comment made by a poster to this forum not too long ago (I'm thinking it might have beeen hyperborea, but I'm not at all sure), that the best candidates for early retirement are those who were raised blue-collar and then found a place in the white-collar world. The combination can be a powerful one--low lifestyle expectations combined with big earning possibilities.
There are some ways in which it is easier for blue-collar workers to win financial freedom early in life. Those in white-collar jobs often have big loans for college and graduate school to pay off. Advancement in a white-collar career often requires attention to image--living in the right house, driving the right car, wearing the right clothes--and that costs money. Blues with union protection often can be sure in advance of what time they will be able to leave their primary job, and that opens up the option of moonlighting.
I think that overall whites have the edge. The big benefit of white-collar work is the promotion opportunities. I've known a lot of people who started out in jobs that didn't pay much but who impressed their bosses and who were ultimately placed into pretty darn good jobs because they were known commodities. There are not as many alternate routes up the ladder in the blue-collar world.
Still, I believe that there are a number of interesting angles to the question. I was fascinated by a comment made by a poster to this forum not too long ago (I'm thinking it might have beeen hyperborea, but I'm not at all sure), that the best candidates for early retirement are those who were raised blue-collar and then found a place in the white-collar world. The combination can be a powerful one--low lifestyle expectations combined with big earning possibilities.