Having two years of retirement from my full-time career under my belt, one of the things I find most beneficial is flexibility in my schedule.  I have just had the experience of having a family member in a health crisis far from home.  With some calls and emails, I was able to rearrange my scheduled appointments to be able to drive 1,000 to bring her home from the hospital.  If I were working, I would have been torn between my responsibilities at work and my commitment to my extended family.

Retirement allows me to live out my life intentions beyond being a successful professional.  Other intentions include being a loving family member and friend.  It is a joy and privilege to be able to do this without angst about compromising my work life.  I know this is ONE of the reasons that retirement is such a blessing.