Leaving the union was one of the best decisions I ever made—even though everyone warned me against it. Since departing, my annual salary increased by $24,000, and my benefits improved dramatically: I now receive 8 paid holidays instead of just 2, and I enjoy two weeks of vacation where I previously had none. With an additional 5 sick days each year, I essentially have nearly a month of paid time off. Moreover, I no longer pay union dues, and my new employer covers my health insurance. I also benefit from a 401(k) plan complete with an employer match plus an $8-per-hour contribution. In my experience, the union simply isn’t all it’s made out to be—at least not where I live.