Back in my day, schooling almost brain-washed us into thinking the most important thing after school was either going to university, to eventually find a good job in a secure company, work for x-number of years, till we reach retirement age, and that was it.
I had to chuckle at the cruise 'reward'; I know a good number of people who feel a cruise is a must before you die, as if that's all there is to living life! I love how you put it:
during which you can stuff yourself silly...
We had a pension or a provident fund; I had to go with the pension which is a fixed sum with increments, because that's what the company offered at the time.
I've seen so many people become old before their time because they're unhappy in their jobs, likely feel trapped and cannot see their way out, or rather, leave it too late to change!
You are so right when you say that they then need to find a hobby and make the most of the here and now, as that really is all we have.
Wonderful response to #memoirmonday @ladyrebecca!