I know a lot of folks post covid who have "retired" or are "retiring" early. I plan on "retiring" this year myself. Well before 65yo.
What's interesting is in my research it appears the IRS only considers people "officially" retired when they start collecting SS.
If we're not looking for work, we're technically not in the labor force and therefore not unemployed. There could be a time gap where we are counted as unemployed. Or maybe not being we willingly left our jobs. I have no idea how these nuances work.
I tend to look at Job Growth. Which is essentially counted by the amount of people who started or stopped paying Taxes and SS each month. Like unemployment t's still a survey and estimate. IMO, it's a better indication of the economic outlook. From economics a good number to have unemployed is 3-4%. Otherwise, there's no room for growth.