You speak as if you have never in your life had work that meant anything to you. That's sad.
So let's say you retire. What are you going to do with your time? Watch TV and have hookers blow you round the clock? While I imagine this would be a great time for a week or so, after a while, I'd be looking to exercise my brain.
Have you ever given up work for a few years, temporarily retired?
Sorta. I was self-employed for a decade. I had the opportunity to select from the few jobs that came my way due to reputation. Was sort of a feast or famine period - when I was working, I was raking it in hand over fist. When not, I was pursuing other interests, and waiting for the phone to ring.
Eventually, the 800 pound gorilla of my industry made me an offer to 'come inside'. After several rounds of negotiation, the offer became 'an offer I could not refuse'. So even if not for Bitcoin, I'd be sitting pretty. And I value the work - it's been a good run. Indeed, I've affected your life. Yes, you the reader - whomever you may be.
But as I've said before, I've given my notice. Jun 30 I am out the door. Whatever contributions I am making to the industry, I'll do on my own dime after that - they should be wrapped up by end of 2018.
Either way, there is plenty more work waiting in the wings. As in, my interests are varied and strong. While I will again be calling the shots, I will be applying intense effort to real world problems.