Oregon veterinarian, 59, quit his $150,000 executive job for 'soft retirement'—now, he earns almost twice as much while working flexible shifts on his own terms, spending more time with family and escaping corporate burnout

Ron Titterington had spent decades building a career in veterinary medicine. But when he reached the age of 59, the Oregon veterinarian walked away from an executive position that paid him $150,000 a year. The year was 2023.

He didn't have a detailed retirement plan waiting for him. Instead, he chose what he calls “soft retirement”, working flexible relief shifts while deciding when and where he wanted to work.