If you decide on early retirement make sure it's something you really want deep down inside. You can still work while being retired and after 59.5 years old, you can contribute unlimited money to your IRA account. If you continue to work until any age, large contributions to your IRA is still a good idea after 59.5.
I was forced out of work when I was nearly 60. I wasn't ready for it. I had dreams (and still do) about being at work all the time. it drives me nuts.
What I hope happens is when I turn 62:
I have enough to retire, but I don't. I tell my boss I'm going to work 100% remote. No more coming into the office. I strictly manage my aftermarket sales. In fact I want 2 extra weeks off a year. Unpaid of course. I work 9am to 4pm not 8-5pm.
Those extra 2 weeks, I use to spend 3 weeks in Greece every summer. Most all my other vacation days are used for hunting season.
January 2nd drive from MI to Florida and work from Florida from then till April. That's 4 months in Florida. Work from Florida. Off at 4pm. Walking the dog on the beach at 5pm till dark.
Drive back to Metro Detroit in April and get ready for summer on the lake. I live on a lake so summer is like vacation every night right in my back yard. 6 months in Metro Detroit
October 1-Jan 1 is hunting season. Spend a lot of time hunting.
I would be bored if I didn't have a job. Even if you have plans this weekend with friends who work, you spend all week doing nothing pretty much waiting around for the weekend to come. Even if you had unlimited money, what would you be out doing right now? Nothing. Same thing you're doing now. So yea, I'd rather keep my job if I can cut down the hours and get a few more weeks of vacation.
Secret. I would even take a big salary cut in exchange for all this. But I won't tell the boss. I'll just see if he keeps my salary/commissions the same as long as my sales don't suffer why not? He should be scared I'll quit. I'll let him know I don't need the job.