Timing Retirement - Financial or state of mind -- what is your primary driver+plan?

[ScopeMonkey]

Similar situation; late 50's, way past "Fat fire" criteria, but not sure what I'd do with every day off, so went to 3 days a week, and only on call 4 weeks a year. Our PP group allows that for 3 years before needing to retire or renegotiate something. After being comfortable with that and finding what will be the next chapter (besides major travel), retirement in few years will be hopefully easier. Some of the orthopods I know have done similar, and stopped call altogether if their practice will allow.

[Anne]

I’m going to posit a third reason that people don’t retire: fear of change, and fear of acknowledging that your working years are over, and retirement is the last stage before death in many people’s minds.

Personally, I don’t think I get much status from my job. I chose a lower status specialty in a lower status workplace, because I was drawn to the work. I enjoy the work but it’s definitely not the be all end all for me in terms of intellectual stimulation. In fact, it can get repetitive and boring. I don’t think I would have any problem filling my days with things that I find mentally engaging. I think I would like to leave medicine at some point and explore other things, and see if something turns into an encore career. Something that allows flexibility in terms of schedule and location independence, that I could do until I’m ready to actually be retired retired.

[burritos]

Maybe pick up a new hobby like this doc?

Loved roller blading in Central Park(in med school) and on the Beach Boardwalk in socal during residency. Picked it up again 2 years ago with my daughter but she lost interest in it. It was super fun. But for some reason, I don't miss it though. Yes. Do what you want. But how about learn to want what you do.