Frank Wood

Frank Wood has 29 years in at Ford as a salaried worker in the product development center -- enough time to make a deal to leave early look attractive.And he's likely to take it.

Still, said the Oak Park resident, "I'm just lucky."

"I was ready to retire next year anyway," Wood said, as he downed a sandwich with coworker Bill Toth of Ypsilanti at Lile's Ham Sandwich Shop on Michigan Avenue on Friday.

Others are in a tougher spot, Wood said.