I took early retirement in 2004. Had to on health grounds. Very distressing at the time, but as the years have passed, turned out to be the best deal for me. I have time to do my Music & it's my own time; I'm not at the beck & call of some pushy publisher or agent. I get to spend a lot of time with my wife...we don't 'get under each other's feet', like me, she has her hobbies to pursue. First thing I did when I retired was cut up my credit cards & close all the accounts. As soon as I could, I paid off the mortgage...don't owe anyone a brass farthing. Retirement works well as long as the bills get paid. There is a beautiful Greek word: 'Eleftheria'...literally translates as:'Freedom' (the actual meaning is more complex, but 'freedom' serves my purpose well enough), that's what retirement means to Ann & myself.
                                  Nigel & Ann Paterson.