So, I worked my *** off as a unionized carpenter, going through apprenticeship and working as a journeyman for a couple years, then the economy crashed and I lost my crap. Haven't worked steady for a few years. We've heard this story before. Wah.
So, looking on the bright side, I was hoping I had enough hours to vest in retirement which is 5 years, 1000 hours per year, or a combination there of, and the chance to get each year, matched with another year to make up the spread without loosing the chance to vest. 1 year on, 1 year to catch up If you haven't gained 1000 hours.
Right on the verge of the time I put in, vs the time I've had off, I called up the trust and asked them how close I was, and I was informed I was .5 years shy of being able to vest.
Better luck next time!
So, I was cordial and took the news like a champ, and figured I was gonna move on like a wounded boss.
So, I get a letter I disregard a few months ago from the trust, trusting it telling me in writing my negative fate. I don't open it, and toss it in the trash...
Today I get another, and reluctantly I open it, and guess what?
I have 6600+ hours in the bucket, and the words under my meager income should choose I retire right now, says...
'You are vested in this plan.'
*Does happy dance*
Work is picking back up in my area, and I'll be on the hunt soon, hoping to play the politics, and manage my money better this time and not be out in the cold next time work slows down...
I hope others have the same positive luck, this last ride was a rough one!
PS: I don't feel that I trust a pay out, and I don't plan on relying on this, but it's a good feeling I wasn't left out in the cold for the time I put in.
