Got rumors floating around of another VSPP coming, this one a bit more lucrative and clearly geared towards the older pensioners. It might be worth sailing off into the sunset.
For the younger folks, here's a little perspective from a 40+ year guy...
I was told since 2015 that copper is going away and fiber is the future; some people even joked I would be out of a job soon. Largely, they were correct. However, here I am recovering pairs and restoring service up until my service date end next year. If anyone lives in or around California, Oregon or Washington, they have agreements with the state to continue servicing copper for about 7 more years OR at least provide some sort of support as part of the deal with Forged Fiber. If you live in those areas you still have some time left to get your overtime, stack your bank account and start looking for work elsewhere.
I urge you to STRONGLY consider getting into some trade work while you have the money to pay for it. Don't let these years pass by and pull the rug out from under you. I'm told by my buddies in the PNW that they are actively backfilling I&R, cable and CDT spots. Jump on it, make your money and split.
Best of luck. I'll be watching the forest fire on a boat with a beer!