The Benefits of Being 40

10 Days Remain

Nothing happens at 40. I realized today, that not a single door opens up at 40.  Sure, 40 sounds cool and I might get some extra respect, but my birthday doesn't entitle me to anything cool. Dang it!

At 16 you get your drivers license.  The world of transportation unfolds before you. It's almost as if you've discovered the power of teleporting. Amazing. (Actually, I didn't want to get a license. Still hate to drive.)

At 18 you're kind of an adult. You can vote, sue or be sued, serve on a jury, buy smokes, buy fireworks, get married (please don't), leave home, get a tattoo, and a bunch of other junk. Endless possibilities. Endless......

21 was the best year ever as you are legal to drink! Quite possibly the most celebrated of major birthdays.

At 25 you can rent a car.  Not bad.

Feel like running for president?  Wait until your 35th birthday.

You can join AARP at 50. Yet, I get their mailings......

62 you can get Social Security benefits.

You'll get your Senior Citizen discount at 65,  although you might get it earlier because they don't usually card.

Where are the world of possibilities for 40 year olds? Perhaps every 40 year old should get a check for a portion of the unemployment they never applied for or a bonus if you never used public assistance,  get a one-time, penalty-free withdrawl from their retirement account (within reason),  parking spots next to the "Parking for Expecting Mom's" spots, discounts at the gym (let's face it, we need it more), or free popcorn at the movies just for that year.

Seriously, if you're a business owner or a legislator, consider implementing a "Forty is Awesome Bonus". You'd make a bunch of people happy.  Just a thought.