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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:
C130 · 07/02/2020 13:34

No way.

motortroll · 07/02/2020 13:39

No. I don't have to and I don't work! Well I gave up my career anyway, I do about 1-2 days admin for my husband but that's by choice as something to do.

I was bored at first and felt I always had to be doing something but I'm finding my new rhythm and have so much more time for my kids.

DonnaDarko · 07/02/2020 13:39

I love my job but I wouldn't do it full time if I won the lottery. I'd probably volunteer for part of the week as we raise money for charitable causes so I'd want to continue support them

Drabarni · 07/02/2020 13:44

Anne

Most definitely, it doesn't make much difference to us tbh. Pays our dd school fees.

elastamum · 07/02/2020 13:52

Really interesting thread! I am grappling with this right now. I am 55, in a senior job, but could retire if I wanted to as after 33 years my pension is really well funded. I have stayed as I have 2 DC at uni and my DP works away in the week. I now do 4 days a week but I have a very long commute and I am tired. I expect I will do this year and then pack it in for a more interesting life. I plan to do voluntary work, walk the dog, ride my horse and spend a lot of time on the garden. Am really looking forward to it.

SerBrienneOfHouseTarth · 07/02/2020 14:03

I enjoy my job but I wouldn't even go back in to clear my desk 🤣

BillywigSting · 07/02/2020 14:08

I didn't have to work for a few years and liked it for a while, but for the most part I absolutely loathed it.

I still don't need to work but I love my job (v lucky I know and would probably be a very different answer if I didn't).

I like the social aspect of it, the extra money it brings, and the general sense of satisfaction I get from it.

I don't plan on retirement until I have no choice in the matter!

dunnyplop · 07/02/2020 14:11

Just as a caveat when I say I would continue to work it would be only p/t, tto & with a 10 min commute. This is what I do now & it's spoiled me!

squizzles · 07/02/2020 14:16

I would work if I didn't have to, but only if it was in something I was passionate about.

BuzzShitbagBobbly · 07/02/2020 14:22

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.

Being in between jobs and having tasks to do is one thing.

It's quite different to years or decades of your life stretching out ahead of you, once you've done your kitchen and whatever else is on your list. You can't just keep repeating it forever more!

dunnyplop · 07/02/2020 14:26

Also if you have dc in school you can't go on holiday all the time anyway.

adaline · 07/02/2020 14:27

It's quite different to years or decades of your life stretching out ahead of you, once you've done your kitchen and whatever else is on your list. You can't just keep repeating it forever more!

I suppose it depends on the person - I'm quite happy in my own company just going out and walking the dog or reading or gardening etc. Some people rely on social interaction and work, others don't.

BearSoFair · 07/02/2020 14:34

I'd still do a couple of days. Work makes me talk to people and does a lot for my confidence, without it I know I could very easily slip back to sitting indoors all day not talking to anyone outside of the family! Or maybe I'd just volunteer at an animal shelter, something I'd be more passionate about than my job...

dustibooks · 07/02/2020 14:36

Not a chance. I have far too many other things I'd much rather be doing.

Dozer · 07/02/2020 14:50

“ it doesn't make much difference to us tbh”

So like the other PP you have a nice pension pot already? Big assets? Been married a long time and built the assets together so would get a decent amount upon divorce?

If so, lucky you! If not, paid work and staying in the labour market makes a big difference to you personally.

PhilomenaChristmasPie · 07/02/2020 14:51

No.

Waterandlemonjuice · 07/02/2020 15:03

I’ve worked ft oth most of my life and now I’m not, since late last year. It’s great.

We can manage on dh’s salary (in answer to the PP who asked about marriage and assets, we’ve been married for a long time and have assets, if we divorced I’d be ok) and so still have a nice life.

It’s a lovely life and I’m not remotely bored. I’ve only just lost my cleaner though so ask me again in a month! I lie in, get up in a leisurely fashion, read a bit, watch films and tv a bit, talk to friends, feed the birds, go for walks, cook food for the evenings and sometimes I have an afternoon nap. I may do some part time freelance work in the future but I never want to work ft again if I can help it. I do boring life admin for everyone too but that’s fine, I still get plenty of time to myself.

Oldraver · 07/02/2020 15:08

No

Hepsibar · 07/02/2020 15:10

Absolutely not, go to the gym, meet up with friends, volunteering, doing the garden and house ... would be lovely

Reginabambina · 07/02/2020 15:10

I’m learning a lot in my current position so I would stick around for a bit longer. Then I’d use my millions to create businesses and become involved in charity. Once I felt I was past that point in terms of energy I’d settle down into my hobbies.

Ragwort · 07/02/2020 15:12

I might do, I only work part time, it is a job that I love, working for a charity I am passionate about, (I could more or less do the same as a volunteer) and my hours and responsibilities are quite autonomous. I have plenty of time to myself to do what I want to do, no children at home. So yes, I might do. I could retire in four years but may just keep working.

Reginabambina · 07/02/2020 15:13

@BuzzShitbagBobbly if your house was large enough you could though. If you did each room on rotation spending several months to a year on each (o stretch it to a year because she said she’s up cycling) then by the time you’d finished everything the first room you did would probably need updating.

Willow2017 · 07/02/2020 15:16

Hell no!
I wouldnt have time anyay what with decorting my new huge house, instructing the gardener, picking out plants, fruit and veg for him to plant, taking in rescue dogs and cats, guinea pigs and rabbits which would keep me busy, going to the theatre, taking holidays etc etc.
After I had my house and garden in order I would probably volunteer somewhere just to have something to do and some time with other adults and feel useful.

getyourarseoffthequattro · 07/02/2020 15:17

i would work, but not in my current job. id like to run a cattery, or renovate houses maybe. Something that actually interests me!

Violetroselily · 07/02/2020 15:22

I would leave my current industry in a heartbeat and volunteer - dogs and cat homes, a hospice or care home and a help the aged friend