Do you believe it when someone claims to be 'semi-retired' in their 50's?

I call bullshit on it for the most part. I'm no longer working permanent full time but i still work almost the same contracted hours (it's just not called 'full time'), but in no way am I 'semi retired'. I've deliberately reduced my hours of work to give more time to my daughter who is now 5 y/o. I can't conceivably consider 'retirement' until at least age 70 and I'm 53 now.

I've heard of FIRE principle but you have to be some sort of obscenely rich young go-getter exec, or a member of the silver-spoon fraternity, to retire 'early'.

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Rhode57 · 56-60, M

I retired at 50 . Not through choice . Ill health and disability forced it on me and hate it . I loved my job and if I was fit would go back to it tomorrow . If people had told me when younger I would be retired at my age I would have laughed . You never know when lifes gonna throw you a curve ball so take full advantage while you can . No one asks to be disabled or enjoys it believe me its no holiday .

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

@Rhode57 Sorry to hear about that. I didn't consider medical retirement. We have guys at my work who get injured through the job (railways) and get medically retired but they're all in their 60's plus due to serious back and/or shoulder injuries and leave as a result of cumulative long-term damage that either is not fixable enough to go back to work or the injury management contractor stuffs around. Two guys in the 70's have left the job in the last 2 yrs. We just had a guy in his 50's resign with a big shoulder injury after a year long fight with the injury management contractor. He's got no income - used up all his leave credits. Top guy too. He has a big mortgage and now can't work at all.