Author here. I do recognize my immense privilege. I was even able to turn the dial a significant distance towards life before my wife died. I had dropped to 80% time (32 hours a week) and stopped managing and was working from home so that I could get almost 100% flexible hours.
But after my wife died even that was not enough. The few meetings I had left were blocking activities I wanted to do, and the job which I had previously loved no longer gave me joy. So, because I could, I retired.
If my wife hadn't died I might have retired at exactly the same time - a 10-year work anniversary is a nice milestone. I almost felt pressured to delay retirement because making major irreversible life-changing decisions after a traumatic life event can be very risky. But I think it is the right choice.
But after my wife died even that was not enough. The few meetings I had left were blocking activities I wanted to do, and the job which I had previously loved no longer gave me joy. So, because I could, I retired.
If my wife hadn't died I might have retired at exactly the same time - a 10-year work anniversary is a nice milestone. I almost felt pressured to delay retirement because making major irreversible life-changing decisions after a traumatic life event can be very risky. But I think it is the right choice.