I soft-retired at 66 to become a traveling nurse practitioner. I earn 25% more, and employers host me in luxe Airbnbs.

Business Insider | 10-09-2026 05:32pm |

Karen Melde, a 71-year-old pediatric nurse practitioner from Atlanta, left her clinic job at 66 due to burnout and became a traveling NP. She now earns 25% more and receives free upscale Airbnb accommodations from employers while working temporary assignments across the US. Melde enjoys her nomadic lifestyle, which allows her to stay in resort-like settings. Her husband, a retired IT specialist, often accompanies her.

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