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.

Oh who am I kidding I wouldn't work and live a relatively stress free life mostly involving dog walks and being a lady of leisure

I had a few months off a couple of years ago. It was bliss. I sorted out the garden, cycled, did on-line courses for fun, collected the children from school, did all the club runs, and cooked.

Despite loving my job, I'd stop working tomorrow if I could. I've got three books that I've started writing and not had time to finish, I'd train as a rugby coach, do more gardening, sort the house out, and get more exercise.

No way! I was furloughed for 4 months and I never got bored, I actually got way healthier and happier. I'd use the time to go for a long walk each day, pursue hobbies and interests, take trips. Much better than working!

I have recently started working again after over a year off due to cancer treatment. Post chemo I had real brain fog and my job requires me to be very articulate and clear thinking so I was distraught thinking I could never work again. Being able to do a job I love again has been fantastic for my self esteem and mental health so although DH keeps saying "you know you do have to work" I really want to.

No. I haven't worked for years and it's been out of choice. Financially I'm very comfortable now, but in the earlier years we weren't so well off, but chose not to work once I had a small income stream that meant I didn't have to.

I've done all sorts of things over the years, including a few degrees for pure interest, lots of fitness and time-consuming hobbies, renovated our homes, dealt with all childcare, some volunteer work. I've always felt busy enough, but not overwhelmed.

I've never had a proper job really, but I did start a little hobby business as I wanted to test the idea that it's better for dc to see you working... they assume I'm busy with the business when they're at school, but really it just ticks over and I spend as much time doing it as I want. It does provide a good excuse for getting out of the less desirable expectations of sahms, like the pta.

Yes. And I do. Had a wonderful 1st carèer. First baby at 34. Had a wonderful 8 years as a sahm. Went back p'time when dd was settled in reception because the days got very long.

Never intended to work as hard again as the last 5 years. But I like work. I also think it has kept me younger.

It's not all roses trust me...extremely long, lonely day which can affect ur mental health.....always good to have a reason to get out of bed

I used to think that I would always want the career I have but the last few years have changed that. I will stop in under a year.
Not having a job won't mean that I won't work, however. I have numerous projects, a consultancy and volunteering lined up.

Yes, for my mental health.

I also think it has kept me younger.

That is a very valid point. I am the oldest in my department at 61, and I think that working gives me a younger outlook in life.

I feel very fortunate that I work part time, and I'm sure that I love my job because it still gives me plenty of time to do other things. I'm off to to a pilates class in a minute. I do a lot of walking, pilates classes, like to mooch around the shops now and again, watch TV, cook from scratch and bake, do some volunteering when there isn't a pandemic, have coffee with friends and visit family elsewhere in normal times.

However, none of the above is enough to fill my time if I didn't work at all. And I don't find it mentally stimulating enough. I would probably do some adult education classes, but I have no interest in studying for a degree.

The current pandemic is colouring my outlook though, and I'm sure that there would be lots of opportunities to widen my interests once things settle down. So for now, I am happy to be working 3 short days a week, and know that I am doing my bit to help us get through this horrible situation.
But I would

@MulticolourMophead

I wouldn't work if I didn't have to.

I'm working on plans to go to uni in a couple of years, I still need to be able to earn enough to cover our costs (single parent), but if I won enough money to cover costs, I'd certainly quit working and concentrate on the course.

I've also got a range of interests and hobbies, so plenty to fill my time up.

Actually, I might work if an interesting position relating to the degree came up.

I don’t have to so I don’t. Actually, it’s been quite necessary with an autistic DC as there have been a lot of upsets, appointments, disruptions...

However things are calm ATM and DC is in school, so I’m decorating (in a leisurely way!) and have huge long walks every day with my dog. I live in a rural, coastal area and have people I can see. I used to volunteer in school (can’t now) but I’m never bored.

No, not paid work. But I'd probably work in a voluntary capacity.

There’s no way I’d work if I didn’t have to. I literally couldn’t be bothered.

No.
But I reckon I'll be working till I drop dead, to be honest.

Work excites me.
I have many plans for the future, ways of developing and expanding my business- I am nearly 60- I don't want to stop work!

Nope, i am seriously debating handing in my notice at Christmas

No, but I would fill my time with volunteer work instead as I've usually enjoyed it more than paid.

No 100% No. x

I’m not working and financially don’t need to. This was a godsend in lockdown. But now the DC are back at school I’m getting bored. I don’t really have any hobbies (this makes me sound very dull I realise!) I did actually enjoy my job apart from the stress and the hours and the odd tosser colleague/client.

I wish I could find a lower stress lower hours version of my job but it doesn’t really exist, especially for someone with a large CV gap. Tricky.

TL:DR - I’m on the fence.

I don’t work, I’m not very good at not working. I found myself getting very depressed and staying in bed all day. I do have the cleanest house you’ve ever seen. I started to join clubs and do hobbies, then Covid.

I have always had good time management and could get more done before or after work than I do now I have all day.

I know a few people in this position. Most of them have inherited or married well. I don’t come from money and am single so often fantasise about how I’d spend my Euromillions win .

The volunteer thing is actually bit of a nightmare as there are apparently so many people who don’t need to work for money that finding a role on a fundraising committee or as an art gallery assistant is as competitive as finding a job. If you do find something, it’s often quite a hustle as the sort of person who’s been able to retire early is usually quite Type A so they’re treating their spare time with the same attitude they brought to their career.

I mostly like my job, but no chance in hell. 😂

You just encouraged me to scratch off a scratchcard I bought earlier in the week, unfortunately I've not won anything!

I'm in the lucky position that I only work very part time and pre covid I really liked it. Now, not so much but not enough to leave.

If we won enough, we'd build our own house and dh would be project managing it. I'd probably carry on at work because there's a lot of perks but if I didn't I'd get a job in a charity shop or something.