At the age of 47, and only last month, I took the decision to retire!
After witnessing several losses both of colleagues and family in recent years, I decided life is too short; So after looking at my private income, and with minimal commited expenditure, I thought why not.
I'm not rich by any means and have never received an inheritance, what has helped however was a good military career and subsequent pension and several property deals. It's not been easy and sacrifices have been made, however other than mortgages, I have never had a loan or even a credit card and have adopted the philosophy to only buy when I need something and not when I want something.
Even after just a month, stress has all but disappeared and the freedom feels wonderful. For the first time in my life I am completely in control of my routine and all the nonsense I've put up with previously seems worth it. I'm just relieved that I've left work on my terms and I wasn't like many will be sadly, working towards a retirement that is taken away by early death or illness.
If anyone is in a similar situation and contemplating going for it then my advice is do it, as sadly life is very unpredictable!
