India, Sept. 6 -- After three decades of building a demanding career, Angela Cheng-Cimini realised she wanted something different from work and life. The senior HR professional stepped away from her role as chief HR officer and chose a less conventional path. Instead of retiring completely, she now works just three days a week and calls the arrangement her "rewirement".

Cheng-Cimini, now 56 and living near Baltimore, shared her experience in an interview with Business Insider, explaining how the loss of several friends around her age prompted her to reconsider her priorities and the way she was spending her time.

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"A few years ago, ...