I was a marketing director and retired at 57. I never thought I’d retire early, but was incapacitated by a spine condition (foraminal stenosis with permanent nerve damage). During a 6-month short term disability involving major back surgery and a difficult recovery and rehabilitation, I realized my job was not my identity. I also realized I wasn’t going to live/be healthy enough to enjoy life forever. I didn’t want to put off retirement any longer.

I love that my time is now my own, and I have no regrets.