I wasn't a full-time career woman, so "retirement" for me looks pretty much life like has always looked, just less people to cook for with the family all grown up. But I remember my older brother saying he wasn't going to retire until he had defined retirement. He is almost 79 now, and retired quite some time ago. He has kept active, hiking all over the mountains where he lives, and he has volunteered for various groups and activities from time to time. He planned what he was going to do with his extra time once he quit working. He enjoyed his job, but hiking was already his favorite hobby and now he has more time to go hiking. My husband, on the other hand, retired rather abruptly and has too much time on his hands, and no hobbies. His self-esteem was wrapped up in his job, and without that job, his self-esteem went downhill and he became depressed. So I think it's important to have figured out something else to do that you like to do, and which gives you satisfaction, before you retire from a job you really like.