AbstractThis report concerns three categories of employees who are retired from work early because of a disability for which they can claim compensation: 1) the “worn out” worker with no special plans, 2) the man who has a hobby which he intends to pursue actively, and 3) the man who wants to engage in a different occupation after retirement. Extensive tests reveal no physical basis for the disability and treatment does not alter its course. Both patient and physician are involved in the transition from occupational function to subjective non‐function. Unless the situation is recognized, rehabilitation workers and vocational counselors are led to futile activity.Most of these patients are happy in retirement. However, the fulfillment of their desires is very costly to society in time, money and frustration. It would seem to make social and economic sense to retrain certain motivated persons into new occupations before they become disabled in this manner. This applies particularly to persons in occupations that require great physical stamina and agility—occupations in which the workers wear ou