I worked full time till my daughter was born when I was 41. I continued working part time till I was 58 and we decided to move. Luckily that was also the year I became vested in my pension.
I didn't plan on continuing to work, but I seem to keep be drawn back to the library world. I'm currently only a substitute, which lets me pick and choose my hours.
I enjoy working a couple days a week - more than that and I lose my enthusiasm rapidly.
I think I keep working because I haven't yet found a calling for this third stage of life. It's also a good way to meet people and become involved in a new town.
We moved from a very expensive area to one more affordable, which gave a huge boost to our savings. That was no sacrifice; I love my new town and was thoroughly done with the congestion and busy-ness of the Bay Area.
I do hope to find a creative outlet that I will find fulfilling in the years to come. I have bought 2 run down houses and fixed them up and rented them. Maybe renovation will be my path - I've always been a house person. I've got another on my radar now...though physically it's pretty challenging for me.
I'm thoroughly happy with my retirement, and it's delightful to actually have choices!