I remember back several years ago, when I was given police trainees their six month trial period out in the patrol car with me. We had some of the most interesting conversations. They naturally wanted to know what to expect as a full, 100% police officer. We would discuss every topic under the sun. One of the most interesting topics each would bring forth was their future, not only from an officers standpoint, but also about police benefits. All the trainees wanted everything I had today and not tomorrow. I enjoyed advising them that they had to earn their place in the department, that it was not given to them automatically,
This is how I understand your question,
These trainees did not care about tomorrow and their status in their life. All they cared about was what the department could do for them today. Most of them understood that you had to plan today for tomorrow and their future. Like financially preparing for the day they too would retire. This included their pension as well as health and life insurance.
And, this is what I am going to relay to you. You might not feel like you will have a future tomorrow, but you will and it will arrive sooner than you might expect.
Our economy is really screwed up at the moment. This does not mean it will be this way forever and you need to make plans now for your future and your family.
You will be glad you did this. jp