My body decided I should retire at about 60(disability) I never thought I'd miss work, but I do. I made it through my work life and the longest I ever held a job was 18 months & 26 days. Seems odd to be proud of that but I am. Ambition as always missing from my life, but I jad fun. LOL

I'm fucked. I will have to work until I die. And so I will.

It is certainly in my thoughts almost daily.
I was out of school and home very early, but scored full time work immediately. Worked 3 jobs for a while, bought 1st house on 21st birthday, paid it off in less than 5 years, did some property development, retired for the 1st time at 30 in 1988. Have been back in work force 3 or 4 times since, and retired again a few times. Money does NOT last. 60 in a few weeks, my original compulsory retirement was at 55. I have lost everything a few times, have almost nothing, but also no debt and minimal living costs. If I don't get sick, or have car problems etc. I could survive on my savings for about 5 years. Pension now kick in 8 years from now. So I am working 2 days a week for peanuts, but I do work I choose to do. Much younger acquaintances from my early life have died already. Past 2-3 years I have developed some minor health issues, just weak eyes and torn shoulders, apart from being overweight I am in good health.

So, yes, I have examined my situation closely, and to be honest, I have no direction. I am probably at one of the most content stages of my life, other times had more excitement but also more responsibilities. A partner at this point would be awesome, someone to give me ideas, someone to work on projects with, travel with maybe, just company closer to my own age.

My advice after so many false starts is not to consider retirement an all or nothing thing. Small steps, always keep one foot in your working life, a bit of extra money, things to do, social life.