Prior to the 401(k) (late 1970s), we all had lifetime employment and solid company pensions. So I don't think that your 401(k) created this 'mentality of depend

Prior to the 401(k) (late 1970s), we all had lifetime employment and solid company pensions. So I don't think that your 401(k) created this 'mentality of dependence' on companies - that was something that had been around for a while. The nature of 'having a job' changed a lot in the '80s, and the market-driven and sometimes indiscriminate culture of layoffs in the corporate world had a much bigger effect than any tax-shelter retirement plan did. As a non-American, it does seem a bit odd that you can't have a 401(k) or some equivalent outside of your job - or can you? In Canada you can have an RRSP through your employer, where your contribution is made automatically through your paycheck, pre-tax. Or you can make contributions yourself to a private RRSP, and then claim the contribution on your taxes and get a refund.