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.

Yes. I do work and I don't 'need' to.

By need I assume you mean for money.

I work because I need mental stimulation, variety, my own challenge beyond being at home.

I’m not in that position but i don’t work because i have fibromyalgia and various other conditions. We have enough money and don’t go without anything but I like to think that one day I will be well enough to work part time.

I’m 42. Dc are 9 and 17 and I am never ever bored. I have lots of things to do and I’m very grateful for my situation as it is.

I had to take a long period off work for a chronic illness and it made me appreciate my job much more. I'm a primary teacher. It's exhausting but so much fun, I couldn't quit as I'd miss it too much. I do like a couple of hours in my own in the house if DH takes the DCs to the park or something. But hate the school run 😁

Yes, I definitely would. I really enjoy what I do and find it very rewarding (I also studied a long time for it). 2 maternity leaves just about killed me. I'm not a stay at home sort of person. But if I was independently wealthy I would probably be less stressed about work and career progression and I'd take off more time to travel, which would make for a nice balance.

Yes probably, but I only work part time, in a job that I love for a charity so I feel I am doing something 'worthwhile', I have loads of autonomy at work, no one is telling me what to do etc. I have enough time outside of work to do volunteering & follow my hobbies & interests.. no young children at home. Maybe if life wasn't so restricted at the moment I might feel different but I found being furloughed quite hard. I am over 60, DH earns a good salary so I could 'afford' to give up but I genuinely love going to work

Yes, I'd do the same job I do now but shorter hours

God no. But I'd buy a few businesses and then review the book keepers work!

Yes. I don't need to work but I currently do although I only work 5 hours a week at lunchtime at my child's school.

I don't need to work, financially speaking, but I choose to. My financial independence is really important to me (and also something I want my kids to take on board) and in the periods in the past when I haven't worked (when my kids were babies) it really shifted the dynamic of my marriage.

As much as the fantasy of a few months off sounds lovely, I know I'd miss the structure of work, the interaction with colleagues (though not at the moment!) and the opportunity to do what I'm good at. I love being part of a large group working towards a common goal. Yes, you can volunteer, but to me that was never the same.

Hmm. I haven't worked for over 5 years, I don't have to, but I'd chew my own arm off for a part time job. If the windfall was enough to run an animal sanctuary, I'd do that.

God no. My daily battle with pain is made worse by working. I would stay at home. Get two dogs. But a lovely house. Go swimming everyday as that helps my pain and walk my dogs which helps with my mental health.
I would be happier and pain free. It’s something I dream of everyday as my pain is getting worse

Fuck no.

Don't have to and I don't.
Might feel differently if my lower back wasn't crocked.

Absolutely not. I have enough hobbies that I wish I had more time for, so I think I'd be able to fill my time perfectly well! I'd also love to travel so if we're talking lottery win, no, I'd definitely be able to fill my days without working!

No, even though I enjoy my job. There are lots of things I’d much rather spend my time doing then work. I have lots of hobbies and interests that would happily keep me busy.

I can’t wait to retire!

No way.

Goodness me no I wouldn't well - not in my current job. It's so stressful but I would probably like to do something else... maybe help out at dogs home / animal shelter.

If I won a fortune on the lottery I'd love to set up my own dog sitting / dog hotel that would be a dream job

I would fill my days quiet easily and would love that feeling of being stress free without work hanging over me

Absolutely not. Could find lots of things to occupy my time.

I work because I need mental stimulation, variety, my own challenge beyond being at home.

That pretty much sums up why I enjoy my job.

Yes! Love my job and still have plenty of time for my hobbies/passions

I don't need to work (financially) but I work part time. I worked so hard to be where I am in my career that I'm not giving up on that because my husband earns a good wage. Also, I need the adult time, the conversation and something to occupy my mind other than my (incredibly adorable) children and housework!

Another God no here. I will struggle to get through the next 2 years before I can claim my work pension. I just feel so totally over it.

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

I am 61, and nowhere near ready to retire.

I feel sad tht so many of you hate your jobs.

I was able to make the choice, albeit unfortunately due to a number of bereavements in short succession. I chose to finish work.

It was very strange at first and I missed the rhythm of a working week and interaction with great colleagues. Then came the realisation that for the first time since I was 5, my time is truly my own. It's so bloody liberating. Can pursue multiple hobbies, learn new skills, spend lots of time with my lovely husband, be outside when the sun shines, lie in if I feel like it, not worry about whether I'll get the annual leave I want, can rest when my health condition is causing pain and just live a life free of pressure.

We about to make a big house move, but will do some voluntary work when we are settled.