For 33 years I was the first one in, and was the guy that was counted on to pick up the slack when others went on vacations and took long weekends and lunch breaks. I was FI about 3 years or so before I semi-retired at 58 years old in Dec 2012. For the past 2 years+ I have been working about 20 hrs a week at the same place doing only the jobs I LOVE (e.g., mentoring younger staff members, etc) and only because I want to and not because I have to (Great feeling!). Last year my wife and I went to Europe for the first time (actually it was our first 1 week+ vacation EVER in 35 years together), and this year we are going back for two weeks and will also be going on a Western USA vacation for three weeks. I have also paid for both of my sons private college educations. All the vacations and educations, as well as cars and home improvements/renovations were paid with CASH. Other than a mortgage, I have never taken out a loan.
The same people I worked with for years, and who made about the same amount of money I did, are always broke, and always ask me what I do with all my free time. I tell them the truth: I sleep as long as I want, stay up until all hours of the night, go to the gym more than I used to, read everything I can get my hands on, take guitar lessons and engineering courses, work on my house and cars, go for walks for an hour or more around town, etc, etc. It doesn't bother me a bit to say I am semi-retired. In fact, I am especially proud of it when they say that "they wish they were me." I never thought I would feel this way, but I have to admit it feels good to be envied for once.