Yes, an American friend of mine just started to claim its SS pension and it seemed reasonable compared to what we would get, but that's just one data point. And

Yes, an American friend of mine just started to claim its SS pension and it seemed reasonable compared to what we would get, but that's just one data point. And the US is a much richer country with higher wages, so that plays a role. I think, for most French, the retirement model was that we should own a house/apt by the time we retire, and then our pension would be enough to cover our expenses. It seems we're transitioning to a system more akin to the US and it's causing some friction as we're not prepared. Another interesting point to me is that the retirement age is causing protests, but we were essentially screwed when they increased the number of worked years from 36 to 43 - which arguably was a necessary reform. Someone who started to work at 23 (college graduate - HN demographics) won't retire before 66. At that point, my concern isn't so much about working until 66, but having a job at that age. Working in tech, I don't see many people over 50 around me.