I retired about nine years ago. Never looked back. Most important factor: attitude. Today's Wall Street Journal, Personal section, has an excellent article on attitude and retirement. My advice:
1. Pension is vastly better than any cash settlement any employer can give you.
2. Have realistic expectations of what you can spend and get along with--and without. For example: many retirees think their living expenses will be less because they don't have to commute to work, buy lunches, business clothing, etc. But they find they have more time to spend on leisure and stuff to fill the time. Careful!!!
3. If you're married or in a serious relationship, better check with your spouse/significant other about his/her attitude. They may resent you being around all the time. If you depend on spouse/significant other's income, be sure she/he doesn't resent you because of it. Don't take this one for granted!
4. Be prepared for loss of status--the "sliding eye" syndrome. Meaning: When people meet you and ask what you do, and you tell them you're retired, their eyes will slide somewhere else, as if you don't count. Just chuckle inwardly--they're still wage slaves, and you aren't! Heh-heh!
6. Husband your resources, like 401k's. Don't risk your savings, IRA's, etc., on get-rich-quick investments.