I retired at 41 to spend time with my grandkids. I supplemented my income with part-time work.

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• I missed much of my own kids' childhood, so when they had kids, I wanted to see them grow up.
• At just 41, I retired so I could spend more time with my grandkids and live closer to them.
• I lived off my military pension at first and later worked part-time and learned watchmaking.

After more than 20 years in the British Army, I looked around and realized both kids had grown up and gotten themselves partners. Although divorced from their mom...