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Original poster

If you were guaranteed 1,200 a month income…

141 replies

Tja1 · 30/01/2025 13:33

Would you give up full time work and a stressful job for something low key with minimal pay and minimal responsibility?

I’m 43. I’ve been a single parent for several years. It’s been a struggle. I have income guaranteed of 1,200 a month. My mortgage is 980 so this income only really covers that and council tax.

I have around 2k spare a month at the moment that I can put away after all expenses but my mental health and general health is very bad due to the pressures of the job. I am seriously considering just throwing the towel in and getting a job two days a week doing something basic (I can’t go part time in my current industry), just something that pays the extra bills and a bit of spending money.

has anyone done this? Is it crazy? I’m so depleted and I’ve exhausted all other options including sick leave, annual leave and therapy. I just want to get off the treadmill.

OP posts:
Whatevershallidowithmylife · 30/01/2025 13:48

Seen your update. In that case doable taking your savings into consideration. So in that case yes, go for it. Totally irresponsible and not a great idea long term but you don’t know what’s round the corner. This is your rainy day time. #52 - terminal cancer - never got the chance to take a break from work and make use of my rainy day fund…….

Musicaltheatremum · 30/01/2025 13:47

If the 1200 won't change then you need to take inflammation into account as you'll need to work more to make up for that

Original poster
Tja1 · 30/01/2025 13:46

3luckystars · 30/01/2025 13:45

It seems to be 2 very extreme options.

Could you take a week or two off and try to find some middle ground job?

I hope you are ok. you sound burnt out, I don’t think your health can take much more. Well done for getting this far.

If you have Employee Assistance Program at work they can help you and it’s free and confidential, they can help you with financial side also.

Edited

@3luckystars thanks. I’m not doing so well to be honest. I have taken time off and don’t feel any differently. I don’t know what is best. I don’t know if we have a programme like that but I will check, thank you

OP posts:
Timeforaglassofwine · 30/01/2025 13:46

No, you can't afford it, especially with children to support. If you go into debt your mental health will spiral further. The only thing that'll help is a job change.

Original poster
Tja1 · 30/01/2025 13:45

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 30/01/2025 13:44

I’m sorry I’m not understanding this properly. Where does the guaranteed income of £1200 come from? How would you pay utilities, food, insurances etc?

@Whatevershallidowithmylife the job two days a week for 700-800 a month for bills and treats. The 1,200 for mortgage and council tax.

OP posts:
3luckystars · 30/01/2025 13:45

It seems to be 2 very extreme options.

Could you take a week or two off and try to find some middle ground job?

I hope you are ok. you sound burnt out, I don’t think your health can take much more. Well done for getting this far.

If you have Employee Assistance Program at work they can help you and it’s free and confidential, they can help you with financial side also.

Original poster
Tja1 · 30/01/2025 13:45

madamweb · 30/01/2025 13:43

How "guaranteed" is the income?
Do you have any savings?

It sounds pretty precarious to me

@madamweb it is guaranteed from a trust. The amount won’t change so it will obviously technically decrease in value I suppose. But always 1,200.

i have 10k savings. I would aim not to use savings though and just find a job two days a week that brought in 700-800 a month.

OP posts:
Whatevershallidowithmylife · 30/01/2025 13:44

I’m sorry I’m not understanding this properly. Where does the guaranteed income of £1200 come from? How would you pay utilities, food, insurances etc?

Overthebow · 30/01/2025 13:44

What is your private pension looking like? At 43 these are now the years to be building that up so you can have a decent retirement. If that's already sorted then yes I'd probably this, but if not then no.

tilypu · 30/01/2025 13:44

I didn't think it's crazy. I think happiness is more important than success, and if you can make it work financially then go for it.

It will give you breathing space and time to decide on what you want your future to look like. Tbh it's that kind of age when people do make significant changes. I did, and I regret nothing. (I went from full time employed to part time plus self employed. Took a financial hit, but was so much happier).

Good luck whatever you decide.

Merrow · 30/01/2025 13:43

What's your industry that you can't go part time? If you say someone might have an idea that is adjacent and an option for part time.

madamweb · 30/01/2025 13:43

How "guaranteed" is the income?
Do you have any savings?

It sounds pretty precarious to me

tilypu · 30/01/2025 13:42

Summerhillsquare · 30/01/2025 13:40

I thought this was a Universal Basic Income question and was gonna say no, I'd like to keep my hand in but reduce my hours.

Can you reduce your hours in current job?

No, op can't reduce her hours in her current job. How do I know? I read her post.

Original poster
Tja1 · 30/01/2025 13:40

@pineapplebobbing do you think? I’ve paid off my car finance and don’t have any other finance. Urgh I just don’t know what to do.

OP posts:
Summerhillsquare · 30/01/2025 13:40

I thought this was a Universal Basic Income question and was gonna say no, I'd like to keep my hand in but reduce my hours.

Can you reduce your hours in current job?

pineapplebobbing · 30/01/2025 13:35

Do you have any savings? If yes, I’d do it for a little while, take a break and then look for another job.

If not, you’d potentially end up in lots of debt.

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