Started saving for retirement when I was only 19. Retired 6 years ago at age 50. I'm totally free. Even free to go back to work if I have a mental relapse!
Last couple times out in the rig kind of summed it up. When we worked, we would camp on weekends because we HAD to. Then, Sunday at 3pm, the sun would come out... and we'd have to go home. Now, we stay the "extra day" if we want. And, of course, camping Monday through Friday and leave the madness over the weekend is good too.
I really enjoyed my job, but I never liked WORK. (There is a difference! :D)
Bob