Even if they don't retire early, good on these folks.

They will at least be able to take time off when they want, or self-fund an opportunity to be their own boss (which, at 48, I am convinced should be everyone's goal).

Another alternative is what I call the "slow burn"...work at brutal competitive jobs to build up a nest egg, then just "peace-out" and go work something mindless to keep a little income or maybe secure health insurance, while using your nest egg for life's big expenses