I am actually living like that as well (I've worked maybe 10-12 of the past 20 years). Still, even when I'm between contracts, the rat race and hamster-on-a-wheel syndrome prevents me from fully relaxing. I will always worry about getting next job/contract, worry about investments etc. I'm thinking that the only way to at least partially quiet down that anxiety is to get a lot of money (at least 100% more than I realistically need) and retire on it.