Working under capitalism is like being part of the engine that drives the economy. When you’re a student, it’s cool to lean towards socialism, caring more about social programs than the economic grind. You trust leaders to manage things without hitting your wallet too hard. But once you start working, you realize how much gets wasted, how corrupt it all can be.
Take California’s high-speed train saga—it started as a $10 billion idea, mostly backed by renters eager for better transport. But surprise! Costs shot up to $100 billion. Who’s footing the bill now? Homeowners, through property taxes. The lesson? Spread the burden, and maybe people will vote smarter.
After graduation, reality hits. You’re paying more in taxes than saving for retirement. Suddenly, many former idealists start leaning capitalist, wanting smaller, more efficient government. Some stick to their guns, but many shift rightward as they slog through jobs and see the flaws up close.
I’ve been there. From protesting corporate greed to railing against government waste—ironic, right? I can’t protest my job’s hand that feeds me. But now retired, I get it. I feel for voters who want more taxes for social good. After all, now I depend on these systems too.
Retirees like me rely on the working public and the government to keep up our lifestyles. It’s a shift from wanting to keep every penny while working to appreciating government support once retired. Makes you think: is early retirement just a selfish move?
Neither capitalism nor socialism is perfect. Some of us save enough to retire comfortably, while others rely on social security. Socialism sounds nice in retirement, less so when you’re grinding at a job. It’s about finding balance—leveling the playing field without stifling hard work.
Start your own business, they say—it’s easier now with the internet. I started Financial Samurai in ’09, and it changed my life. Who knows where your side hustle could take you?
I’m Sam, by the way. I’ve seen both sides: the grind and the freedom. Now retired, I get why people vote for higher taxes—they need it, just like I do now. It’s about empathy and making choices that benefit everyone, not just yourself.
