<prompt> Human: I just accepted a job as a university professor. The two options I have are for the state teacher retirement program or the 401k. I will be working at this university for at least 7 years, and maybe longer. My dream would be to go to a different institution in a different state at some point. Any advice would be great because I have absolutely no idea what to do. Edit: Also the 401k offerings are with TIAA-CREF, Fidelity, and Valic.  <response>: It sounds like 401k is better than 0 could be if you arent really sure you will be there 10 years. The employer contribution is way better on the pension, but even if you are sure you will be there 10 years, pensions are not always well run. 