Not exactly, but sort of. I was a forestry firefighter, so I was eligible to retire at 50. In 2017 (the year I turned 50) I was dealing with my mother who was going downhill quickly from dementia, so I took advantage of the ability to retire the month I turned 50. Since I was spending so much time dealing with short notice emergencies and doctors appts for my mother, I was allowed to move from my job as an engine captain where I had the supervision of a crew to worry about, to dispatch where I was basically a warm body that could easily be allowed to take time off with little notice.
With the seasonal nature of wildland firefighting most agencies still rely heavily on seasonal workers and they have a program that allows experienced people (mostly retirees) to work on a per diem basis, usually 2-3 week assignments. The first year I worked maybe 6 or 8 weeks total, the next year about the same maybe 8-10 weeks.
Going into dispatch that last year really turned out to be a hidden bonus. The center manager liked me and thought I was doing a good job, so after retiring any time they needed somebody for a night shift, or somebody to help cover a shift I got a call. This allowed me to get some of my higher dispatch qualifications completed by 2020.
Forestry dispatch centers across the country are very short staffed so I've kept quite busy, working 6-8 months a year the last 3 years and it shows no sign of changing anytime soon. It is particularly nice because no more beating up my body hiking up hills, eating bad food and sleeping on the ground. In dispatch I'm indoors with air conditioning, and I get a hotel. I get paid mileage, my time in travel status and per diem for meals and lodging. I still get to travel which was a part of the job I really enjoyed. I spent 3 weeks in Texas in 2021, and was Mississippi for 2 weeks this year and am already set up for another two weeks after Thanksgiving (the southern states get busier with fire activity in the late fall through early spring).
Best part is since I'm working for a set period of time, I just have to do the job I'm actually hired for. No employees to supervise, no side projects due at the end of the year, no competition with others for a promotion which cuts out a ton of the interoffice politics. They have a need that I am filling, so they are happy to see me. Added to all that, my experience of 30 years in the job is recognized and I am treated as a 30 year employee by most of the people I work with, not as "the new guy". Best part is the job ends when I get in the car (or on the plane) and go home, and if I have other plans when I get a call, I am an as needed employee, and it goes both ways. I can just follow Nancy's advice and "just say no" with no regrets or backlash.
So technically retired, but these days only as much as I want to be. I didn't even have to move.
