The answer to this is - how long is a piece of string? It really does seem to depend on the level of development your own spirit is at and how aware you are of the various levels of attainment. I believe you do have the choice to continue as you are, in a similar life, until you wish to 'move on' to continue learning. Any choice to become physical is surrounded by lots of discussion and decisions, as it may not be the best way forward for your spirit... and no, your spirit does not 'die'. It can't. What may 'die' is the personality, but the life-time experiences remain to be accessed when appropriate, hence memories of past lives...