I haven't REed but I have heard old timers saying "I am busier than ever in RE, I can't imagine I had time when I was working". I think you will do more if you RE. I know I will. Currently my fun projects drags on for weeks/months because my work comes in my way. We live on a farm so you never run out of things to stay active, both physically and mentally.
Maybe. I have had a taste. In the 9 years that I have been retired from the military I have had months off here and there. My last gig ended at the end of April. My new gig starts next week. This new contract is a work from home so I still get my laundry, 20 minute yard mow, dishes cleaned, house vacuumed, etc... DW just turned 50 and wants to work until 55 so if this new gig is as easy/chill as expected, I will work it for a few years. It's nice to be FI and have choices. I've said it before: I'm all about the FI and no so much about the RE. You can't have RE w/out the FI but you can have the FI and that gives you choices re: your time. As long as I stay in the USA I can work from home/remote. Turns out our favorite spot is St Croix which as you all know is a US territory. Score!