An employer used to give one it was called a benefit.You needed to work for a good number of years, and as na reward for faithfull service you received a stipend for the rest of you life[ changed by junk bond users]. Some former employers offered annunities, and contributions to 401 K plans. Some even gave ESOP plans. But that was the golden age. It sounds like a fairy tale, but it did happen. Of course Santa and the Easter bunny were alive then.