This is a beautiful, provocative essay, and I relate to many points you made. My mother, when she ha dementia, fought me violently when I tried to change her diaper.

And yes, you leave your work friends behind when you leave your job.

My husband wants us to travel as much as we can while we are still able, because there will come a time when we can't. We're in our seventies and he has booked us 3 overseas trips this year. But I am most content when I am sipping coffee, reading, walking, and doing the quiet things without the stress of work, schedules, and forever striving toward some elusive goal.