I always laugh at people that say you will get bored or they went back to work because it is better. They must have an easy job. I can't see me doing software development into my 70's. I am burned out now, some people have easier jobs than others. Can you imagine being a roofer and having to work until you drop?
I’m a teacher. I feel the same way. I love my job and I will miss doing it but I’d rather retire than stay forever. My job does not define who I am.
That is the situation my husband is in right now. He does HVAC and all manners of contracting/construction work. He has eleven more years to go before his youngest child of 3 reaches 21 (it's 21 in NY not 18) and most likely he'll have to continue to pay for their college. He's 45 now and feeling his age. I do computer repair/desktop support. We already have gone "galt" in the fact that we have a house in the country (sadly on a "wetland") use a well, septic system, burn wood exclusively for heat, never eat out (that includes take out and pizza), never go on vacations. I make my own bread, yogurt, creme fraiche (sour creme) and am thinking of getting a goat. We both work 40+ hours a week and have to "go galt" because he brings home next to nothing after child support and taxes.
“Can you imagine being a roofer and having to work until you drop?”
Heh, heh!
My wife & I have been retired two years now. We love it.