The big "R"
I spent 37 years airbourne. Thought it would never end. Have seen a lot in that time.
Ditto to all said above. Can't believe I'm admitting this, but when an 'early buyout' was offered two years ago, I took it. My salary at retirement bought 6 newbies.
Do I miss the flying? Yes.
Do I miss the travelling? Nope.
Do I miss my years of friends? Yep, every day.
Do I miss what commercial aviation has become? I despise it.
Would I do it again (retire early)? Probably.
The bull droppings got out of CG. The accidents/incidents are saying something to everyone if you are far enough away to see it. Lack of BTDT.
I retired right under J7, just west of Mt. Lassen, CA. Every day at 1300-ish local, a lot of my old flights go overhead (Europe to SFO/LAX).
Seeing the 4-engine wake curl back on itself and debrade into rings is not quite, but almost the perfect reward for all the lessons learned.
Every once in a while, one of my crews will make a small S-turn overhead to say hello.