I used to think I would work until I died or was unable to work.
I now realize that it would be nice to retire, so that I can work on the things that I want to (which in my case would be open source projects) instead of what my employer tells me to.
You could argue if I was self employed, I could do that now, but that would mean I have to worry about finding people to pay me for my work (as a contractor or freelancer) or running a business (as a founder). And I have zero interest in doing that.
Not easily. There aren't a lot of part-time software development jobs. And working part time typically means giving up benefits like health insurance (at least in the US).
100% this. I've also been thinking about going part time SWE, but I just haven't seen any. You can try freelancing part time, but that's not for everyone. The best bet is to get creative and go work for a large co where you can slack off part time. Maybe try joining as a junior. You can get the job done fast as senior , take the lower salary and get back some freedom. Seems fair to me.
I now realize that it would be nice to retire, so that I can work on the things that I want to (which in my case would be open source projects) instead of what my employer tells me to.
You could argue if I was self employed, I could do that now, but that would mean I have to worry about finding people to pay me for my work (as a contractor or freelancer) or running a business (as a founder). And I have zero interest in doing that.