I enlisted in the Air Force at 19. After my 4 year hitch I worked for the railroad for a couple years, then Federal employee for a couple years in electronics. 8 years as an electronics technician for the Air National Guard. I went to college part time while working full time over the course of ten of those years. Hired by a major defense contractor in San Diego before I graduated. 1 year later I moved back to Colorado to work for another defense contractor working in systems engineering and software where I stayed for 27+ years. I retired at 63 so around 44 years for me. I also delivered papers, worked in a convenience store, roller rink, swimming pool, etc. as a teen.