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Original poster

Would you work if you didn't have to?

192 replies

JorisBonson · 07/02/2020 10:48

If you won the lottery or came into a life changing sum of money some other way.

I like my job fine but they wouldn't see me for dust if I won the lottery. And I would spend my days fostering kittens in my mansion.

OP posts:
Layoverlife · 07/02/2020 11:54

I would carry on working as I find what I do very rewarding and I just can't see myself not doing what I do,although at times I could quite happily never return depending on the kind of day I've had, I would of coarse buy a few houses across the globe, go on some crazy holidays/travelling, treat myself to all kinds of things and also donate to charity's and hospices and to start on a few other projects I have in mind.

Lipperfromchipper · 07/02/2020 11:56

I really don’t have to work at all...but I do! For my sanity I do 🤣🤣

FruityWidow · 07/02/2020 11:57

Not a friggin chance. There is an entire world out there to see and I'd travel to every single corner if I could.

Xyzzzzz · 07/02/2020 11:58

Yes but I’d reduce my hours.

AmazingGreats · 07/02/2020 11:58

Yes but I'd be the boss

Dozer · 07/02/2020 11:59

I would probably do some unpaid work, and/or higher education. Not full time though!

It’d have to be a LOT of money, enough to cover expenses of living DC etc, through to old age and potential care costs etc. For example, even a big sum like £200k wouldn’t be enough to cover that if I live to 80+.

Dozer · 07/02/2020 12:00

Pension etc.

Nam3Chang3Again · 07/02/2020 12:05

Yes. When I was between jobs, I had a temporary 12 hours/week job. Bit of structure to my life but also a five day weekend would be great.

MulticolourMophead · 07/02/2020 12:11

If I had the money, then no, I wouldn't work in my current job.

I'm already working on a plan that will enable me to go to uni next year as a mature student.

And I have plenty of things I could be getting on with that would fill my days.

AutumnRose1 · 07/02/2020 12:13

no way!

I hate it when lottery winners carry on with their jobs. Could have given the money to me!!

Tana433 · 07/02/2020 12:18

I made the decision to finish work at 46 (im 48 now) and i dont miss it all, despite being told by nearly everyone that i would be bored. Yes, if i had stayed working we would have lots more disposable income and we live on a very tight budget now (no benefits) but the freedom it gives me far outweighs any monetry loss and i dont regret it at all.

dottiedodah · 07/02/2020 12:18

I would not work no.I never understand people who win the lotto and say they are not giving up work! Apart from anything else they are taking away a job from someone who needs it!

Dozer · 07/02/2020 12:22

Freedom, for as long as your H is good to you and / or you’re still married.

It frustrates me when women say they “don’t need to” work because of their DH’s earnings. Unless you’re very, very wealthy and have a nice fat personal pension, and/or would get massive lump sums/assets share in a divorce settlement, not doing paid work is a huge financial risk.

Meruem · 07/02/2020 12:23

I'm 50 so I would just view it as early retirement and it would be very welcome! If I never needed to work again I'd be thrilled. As it stands I've already gone down to part time hours, as my job was just too stressful and full on. I have plenty to fill my days.

VodselForDinner · 07/02/2020 12:26

I don’t have to work, but choose to do so.

I need a lot of routine in my life. If I didn’t have a reason to get up at the same time every day and shower and do my hair and put on shoes, I’d loll around in bed all day.

My mental health needs me to work.

AlexaAmbidextra · 07/02/2020 12:27

I retired in 2018 after 48 years of working solidly with no breaks other than the usual annual leave. I enjoyed most of my working life immensely but feel that I’ve done my bit. I am loving the freedom I now have to do what I want when I want. An acquaintance said recently that surely I would undertake some sort of voluntary work. Well no, I won’t. I don’t want any sort of commitment whatsoever. I’m as free as a bird for the first time in my life and loving every minute.

whatdoyouthinkyouknow · 07/02/2020 12:28

I'd work but in a voluntary capacity. I have a friend in a similar field of work who has decided to retire from paid employment and do 4-6 hours a week on a voluntary basis.

It gives back, and if you don't need the income it can help others greatly.

She is in family therapy/ paediatric mental health.

Drabarni · 07/02/2020 12:30

For us it wasn't about money but time.
We didn't want a conventional life going out to work everyday, so managed it so we didn't have to.
I don't like money and think it's the root of all evil, and have never done the lottery, not even once.
My dh works and has a good work/life balance, and helps that his work is a calling.
I think it's more a case of finding something that allows you the freedom to live life how you want to.
I'm sure our lifestyle isn't what others would like as we aren't high consumerists at all, apart from things we need obviously. We do have the occasional treat, and enjoy them because they are occasional.

fortheloveofmum · 07/02/2020 12:30

Nooooooooooooooo Smile

Tana433 · 07/02/2020 12:32

@Dozer If that comment was directed at me it has nothing to do with my H being good to me / staying married to me. It is my 2nd marriage and i have my own money from selling my previous home. New H already owns his home outright so we have no mortgage. If i was on my own i could afford my own house and would be quite happy to go back to work again but as i dont need to at the moment, i chose not to.

AnneLovesGilbert · 07/02/2020 12:33

I don't like money and think it's the root of all evil

But you’re happy accepting state support in the form of money, which you need to enable your lifestyle choices.

dunnyplop · 07/02/2020 12:35

The thing is I'm in my 30s, I have a relatively nice life with holidays & nights out with DH & friends & days out with the dc etc. We have a cleaner & an occasional gardener.

If I gave up work yes I could do more of the above but at some point I think I would want normality. More than that I wouldn't want to lose my friends or my dcs friend so I would still be living a similar life but with a bigger budget.

adaline · 07/02/2020 13:23

Nope, definitely not!

I'm currently in between jobs and it's lovely - lots of long dog walks, home renovations, lie-ins - it's amazing!

Last week I redecorated the kitchen which would never have happened if I'd been working. Next weeks mission is up cycling some furniture and painting the bathroom ready for DH to replace the shower tiles and the flooring.

I'm still doing stuff which definitely helps but it's so nice not to have that pressure from work. DH earns enough to support us and I'm not particularly materialistic - so long as I'm fed I'm pretty happy Wink

LorenzoStDubois · 07/02/2020 13:26

No way.
I work hard but I'm allergic to it.

userabcname · 07/02/2020 13:31

I'd probably take a long break from work while setting up my pinterest-worthy mansion and then do something very part time that I enjoy, or volunteer.

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