Hi Warwick
I used to work part time a few years ago, 10-12 or sometimes 1, in a primary school, so loads of holidays, no weekends etc, and it was brilliant. then i lost my husband and had big decsions to make. But i could not face working full time. as it was I met someone else after a while, ended up moving home, town and job. I now do 2 part time jobs, one of which they keep increasing my hours, having me in for full day's, I look at the rota and my heart sinks, get myself in a state the night before, but mostly, once i get here (I'm there now lol) I'm fine, I think half the time it's knowing you HAVE to do something. If I had a choice though I would retire today, I love having time off with my new hubby, and the freedom of knowing if i don't even want to get dressed I don't have to. So if you have the chance I would say deffo go for it, no-one knows whats round the corner, my poor late husband never got the chance, he was only 51 when he died, and if that taught me anything, it's to not put things off.
Good luck in whatever you decide. xx