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Original poster

What would you do if you didn't work?

47 replies

FeelBetterForIt · 16/09/2019 21:59

I'm thinking of people who don't have children that would make them SAHP.

I don't always want to go to work but I do recognise that a large part of my fulfilment and self esteem come from that part of my life. I'm approaching a time where early retirement is a possibility and whilst it's true I'd like more time to do "other" things I can't see where any sense of achievement will come from without paid work and the responsibility that comes with it

When DC were young I had a period of time when I had a very pt job and some volunteering commitments but they weren't at all fulfilling compared to a "proper" job. I found it was hard to take on real responsibility, in either role, on a PT basis.

So I'd like to think about reducing my hours to free more time for other interests but I'm worried that whilst I'll be "busy" there won't be any real purpose to my life.

OP posts:
SleepingStandingUp · 16/09/2019 22:02

I'd find more meaningful volunteering. Something that makes a real difference.

ellzebellze · 16/09/2019 22:06

Work is only the means to an end in my view.

It provides you with the funds to get on with living your real life.

CoastalWave · 16/09/2019 22:08

I feel quite sad for anyone who needs work to feel valued or fulfilled in life! Means to an end in my view too. Why do you need validating from others?

What would I do? Volunteer. Help out in the countryside. Run a sailing club. House renovations. Christ. I can think of so many things. I do actually work (pt in the evenings ) but would KILL to be able not to work. Got loads I would love to do!

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BackforGood · 16/09/2019 22:09

I would have more time to keep up to date with all my volunteering.
I would walk more
I would exercise more
I would cook more
I have an ambition to learn an instrument but don't know if I'd get round to it.

Re 'fulfilling' - my volunteering is incredibly fulfilling - equally as much as my paid role, and of course there are literally thousands of different roles you could take on if you wanted more of a challenge that you currently have.
I know all sorts of volunteers who have an incredible amount of responsibility in their volunteering, and use all kinds of skills and experience.

userxx · 16/09/2019 22:13

I'd be bored shitless.

ExpletiveDelighted · 16/09/2019 22:15

Volunteering can mean serious commitment eg being a councillor, school governor or chair/treasurer of an organisation. I'd look at something like that, then I'd spend time travelling, a lot more time at my allotment, evening classes or daytime workshops in crafts, maybe some academic study.

DirtyWindow · 16/09/2019 22:17

I'd plan to do loads of stuff but in reality: day time TV and eating.

Maybe gardening on a good day.

blueshoes · 16/09/2019 22:22

I'd be bored shitless.

Grin

I would like to do volunteering too but I suspect it would be full of petty concerns and small minded people or dealing with the general public which would be soul destroying.

I much prefer being at work in a professional environment, but perhaps pt or as a consultant.

YahBasic · 16/09/2019 22:25

I had two years not working in my mid 20s.

I studied part-time, volunteered one day per week, cooked & baked a lot, exercised a lot, pottered around a lot & watched a lot of TV/read a lot.

I feel like I need a month of that every year at least. I can’t wait retire, I’m at my happiest when I’m being lazy Grin

Maydayredalert · 16/09/2019 22:31

I do my garden (it is big, so near enough a full time job)

AgeLikeWine · 16/09/2019 22:33

I would travel as much as possible. I have already been fortunate enough to do quite a bit of travelling over the years, but there is still plenty on my list to go at.

ImAShowPony · 16/09/2019 22:34

I don't work. I have DCs but they are secondary school age. I was widowed when they were young ( I was in my early 40s) and just make ends meet on a widow's pension. I do everything at home- no partner, no parents, no help whatsoever.
It's stress free though which suits me after several traumatic years.I just tootle around and get jobs done. Sports club twice a week. Read loads. Do yoga/ meditation/ exercise at home. Lunch/ brunch/ coffee with someone at least once a week. Cook a nice tea. But yeah it's quite boring and lonely as most friends are at work and I don't have money to amuse myself or a car.

forkfun · 16/09/2019 22:35

Grow food with/for local schools.

Stompythedinosaur · 16/09/2019 23:15

I would like a smallholding and I would get pet goats to add to my bees and ducks.

If money was no object I would quite like to own some woodland too and try to build a viking longhall with historical tools.

Mac47 · 16/09/2019 23:24

Totally agree with userxx. I like being busy and pottering about the house/doing some volunteering would not fill my day or sufficiently occupy my mind.

xtinak · 16/09/2019 23:34

I'm with userxx as well sadly.

NorthEndGal · 16/09/2019 23:37

I beachcomb, and then make stuff and sell it
Today I made these

What would you do if you didn't work?
What would you do if you didn't work?
BeepBeeep · 16/09/2019 23:41

Die of boredom.

Runkle · 16/09/2019 23:49

Volunteer, go to the gym more, go on amazing walks with my dog, cwtch with the dog, get more dogs...

SpaceCadet4000 · 16/09/2019 23:50

I'd probably grow a lot of our food, keep some chickens and sheep and spend a lot of time pickling stuff.

LyraParry · 16/09/2019 23:55

I'd learn a new language. And cross-stitch a lot.

Drogosnextwife · 17/09/2019 00:01

I would exercise more, take up hill walking and probably riding again. It would be great. I don't think I would get bored, I love spending time alone though.

NorthEndGal · 17/09/2019 10:37

I cant imagine being bored, when you have the freedom to choose what you are doing?
I have a list as long as my arm of things I want to do, and every day I'm always thinking of more

Howmanysleepsnow · 17/09/2019 11:33

Ooh... I’d walk more, get on top of the house, write a novel, do a course (learn a language or do TEFL)

Howmanysleepsnow · 17/09/2019 11:35

Oh and if I had the money (which I don’t working FT so definitely wouldn’t not working) take up horse riding again/ get a horse, travel more. Though I suppose voluntary work overseas is an option...