@Edent I did it when my mother passed. No planning -- but I did keep track of the assorted little projects and free-lance writing thigns that came up. I was active online and in the community and kept my resume updated with all the little things. I landed a free lance gig for $38/hr writing phonics stories (and could afford to be the honest person on the crew when things got interesting because I could risk "ruining" my free lance educational writing career 😛 )
Because I could pursue assorted skills and interests... I became the unicorn that was a good fit for a good part-time match about 2 years later... when it went full time I did that and now I am planning retirement...