Would you work if you didn't have to?

[EshSchools]

Sitting here with a virtual pile of very uninspiring admin to do and daydreaming...

Would you work if you didn't have to? For instance if you and the family had a paid off mortgage, good pensions and a windfall. (I'm imagining 1-2 million in the bank). I think I'd give up work and study for a postgrad degree just for fun, but I wonder if I'd feel differently if I like my (quite well paid but dull) office job.

No way.

I would probably reduce my hours but couldn't give up what I'm doing just yet, although I love my job sometimes ( currently more so) it's so mentally and physically draining that I wonder why I do it 🤔 🚑

No

Once upon a time I would have said yes, but I’m an old dog and there’s too many new tricks.

I work freelance and currently do spend a fair bit of my time on voluntary or lower paying projects, because they are meaningful and important.
So yes, I would absolutely work if I didn't have to; it would be fantastic because I would dedicate all of my time to what I found more worthwhile and ditch most of the stuff which, while I don't hate, I am doing primarily to pay the bills.

I would still work but I'd do projects that interest me rather than projects which pay the most as I do now. I can't imagine not working I like lots of aspects of it

Yes, or volunteer at least. I am not cut out to stay at home and have no friends. When I was on maternity leave I didn't see and speak to another adult except DH for days and weeks on end, which was very lonely. I have been so grateful these past 6 months for my job which meant I had to leave my house and be with people other than DH and DC. I could not have coped without that. I sometimes think it would be great not to have to go and deal with the stress and the sleep deprivation (long shifts including nights) etc, but, even pre-covid, there is only so much tv to watch, shopping trips to go on, places to go while DC are at school etc.

I’ve missed long period off school and then work due to chronic health problems. I get very depressed and unfocused without the routine and drive of work. I’m not great at directing myself.

I’d work part time rather than not at all.

Oh hell no. My awkward personality and possible yet to be diagnosed ADD/ASD has made me miserable and exhausted in workplace situations over twenty odd years, and why I'm coming to the end of yet another temp role.

I'd sooner fill my days by studying interesting subjects, volunteering for worthy causes, tending to the garden and with creative projects. If only.

Hell no, i dream of a lotto win so big that would be reality

No. I would fill my days with writing, travelling, volunteering etc.

Definitely not I'm a nurse and would never train to be a nurse if given the chance again. I love the nursing pet not all the other shit that goes with it

I don’t currently work, financially we don’t need me to thanks to DH and i like being at home for the kids. And I can honestly say I’m never bored! In fact I never stop! I’ve always got some project on the go, be it part of my voluntary work or something just for fun (I’m currently perfecting home made sweets!) or meetings/admin for DS (SN) or just going for a catch up with friends. In fact I haven’t had a day to myself since the kids went back to school. I’m certainly busy enough. (I do appreciate that I am very lucky to be in this position)

I work but I don’t need to. I work because I enjoy the mental stimulation (I’m relatively senior and have had interesting people and problem solving type jobs). I also work because if something happened to DH or to my marriage it would be better for me if I have an income. I work part time around school which makes life a little bit hectic, but at my level of seniority I can’t do less hours than I do. But I don’t want to lose my career either.

No I wouldn’t ‘work’ if I didn’t have to.
I would
spend a lot more time on my allotment and try and grow prize winning strawberries and help run the allotment shop
learn to cook properly
volunteer at the library, local newspaper, local thetatre and arts festival
get a dog
go to the gym more
possibly do a course
I wouldnt have time to be bored

No!

I'm not sure I've helped myself... daydreaming about all the other stuff I could be doing! Great ideas here - although I think I'm most jealous of the people who really like their jobs, particularly if you've found senior/ meaningful part time roles.

yes. Circumstances mean that I can more than afford to not work again but I love working and I love my job.

No. I never thought I'd feel like this: my job is challenging, interesting, valuable, worthwhile. All things that should be making me knuckle down. I'm menopausal and knackered all the time, plus the brain fog is meaning I have to double check everything.

Five years at home and then a part time volunteering job would suit me fine at this point. Bring on the lottery win!

Retired during lockdown and the bliss of no alarm or getting up early if I want to has not worn off yet.... I liked my job but it meant squashing all the other things I liked too into small pockets of time so not working is brilliant for me...

I'd go part time, I love my job but would happily work 2 days a week and spend the rest of the time writing and growing plants!

Yes I would.
I love my job and workmates. Can't imagine not working. Gives a me a purpose. Three months on furlough made me realise I need to work.

Funny you asked this question because I was thinking about this the other day.
I have always been very ambitious and have degrees and postgraduate qualifications. Doing well in my career has always been important to me.
However, the lockdown made me reassess my life and I have realised that if I was financially secure or very wealthy, I wouldn’t ‘work’. I would do something I really enjoyed
So the answer is a resounding NO

No way, could fill my days twice over with interests and good works and hobbies and boxsets and afternoon naps

No. I'd do volunteer work which I do anyway but I'd be happy doing whatever I want with my days.

Hell no!
If I won a few million, I'd buy a house with a bit of land- not too much, and have a patch for growing veg/fruits. I'd get a dog too as at the moment I work far too many hours for one.

Or if I didn't get the dog, I'd spend my time travelling the globe. I don't have kids and that doesn't look like it will change, so I'd not have any ties.

I might spend time learning skills, like a beauty course, or even a trade so I could do my own odd jobs.