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Original poster

Would you work if you didn't have to?

55 replies

TooHotToTangoToo · 04/10/2022 12:57

Just say waiting to pick my dd up and I'm musing.

I've worked since I was 16 (I'm now 50). I've made some good choices re work and a bit of luck means I'm in a job that's flexible, I enjoy and it pays well. But I do get the usual Sunday evening stress feeling.

I'm hoping to retire in 8 years time so putting a fair bit into a pension each month. Due to the cost of living rises I may have to reduce the amount I pay into my pension, which fills me with dread as this means I'll have to work longer.

I hear people say they'd still work if they won the lottery, or they love their job and it doesn't feel like work, I think I've got a good deal with my job but there's no way in this Earth I'd work longer than I had to. The thought makes me anxious.

OP posts:
Yearly · 04/10/2022 13:02

Hell no I wouldn't.

midgetastic · 04/10/2022 13:03

If you weren't working you naught also feel bad , anxious or whatever but for different reasons

When people would carry on working even though they didn't need the money they still need

Something to fill the day
Something to make you feel worthwhile
Something to give you social / human contact
Something to stretch your brain

Now sone people can do all that without paid work and others can't

And that is sort of separate from how you feel about your current job

GCAcademic · 04/10/2022 13:04

Definitely not.

RoseyLentil · 04/10/2022 13:06

Yes, I love my job.
I was furloughed during lockdown1 so I volunteered at my local council for four days per week within my area of expertise.

AriettyHomily · 04/10/2022 13:08

I've done very well in my career, more by luck than judgment, and I enjoy the benefits of the high salary but would I do it if I didn't have to? No chance.

If I could have the same standard of living as now I'd go into volunteer roles, more non-exec board membership that would utilise my skills but not be stuck in the daily grind.

Or, if the kids were older I'd fuck off and travel.

DonttouchthatLarry · 04/10/2022 13:09

No way - I have enough hobbies and interests to fill my days, and if I won the lottery or something I would like to do even more things that I can't afford to at the moment.

I only work 2.5 days a week - off today so been out cycling this morning and will walk the dogs this afternoon. Would happily give up work and plan to retire as soon as I can.

tranquiltortoise · 04/10/2022 13:09

I would still want to do something worthwhile with my days and contribute to society so I would find a way to do that. It might be paid or unpaid - I suppose it wouldn't matter as much if I was otherwise very well off so there would be more options.

Soproudoflionesses · 04/10/2022 13:13

I would because the money l bring now home is pittance but work appreciate what l do so much more than home which l am working on!

StarDolphins · 04/10/2022 13:15

I like my job but wouldn’t do it if I didn’t have to! I’d potter, plant veggies, go shopping, do hobbies, watch tv & relax! I’d love it!

Mumblechum0 · 04/10/2022 13:16

Yes. I don't need to work financially, but I run my own business and I just love doing what I do.

Not planning to give it up till I can't do it any more.

mistermagpie · 04/10/2022 13:17

Not right now, no. I have three little kids though (one not at school) so my days are easy to fill! If they were older or I didn't have kids I would do something, volunteer work or something like that, but not my actual job.

incywincyspiders · 04/10/2022 13:18

Not a bloody chance.

PinkHeadphones · 04/10/2022 13:19

I would have done in the past, but at age 47 no, no, a thousand times no. I would exercise, travel, do up the house, and write.

Clariana · 04/10/2022 13:19

Yes, I do work and I don't need to. My job is really flexible and I really enjoy it. However, I continue to work not just for love of my job but also because I have school aged children so I can't just go travelling for months at a time.

When they leave school, I think the balance will tip the other way and I will retire early.

TeeBee · 04/10/2022 13:20

Yes I would. I love my job and would go up the wall mentally if I didn't have something to stimulate my brain. Cleaning the house and popping off for coffee mornings just wouldn't swing it for me. I know...I've done it! I stayed at home with my kids when they were little and slowly went insane.

DirectionToPerfection · 04/10/2022 13:21

No way.

I could find plenty of more fulfilling things to do with my time.

I think people who say "I'd have to work or else I'd be bored" are seriously lacking in imagination.

HeythereDelilah101 · 04/10/2022 13:21

i work and I don’t financially need to. But it’s nice having the extra money, also it’s for my mental health. I only do part time but I like it. I’m on maternity leave at the moment and I’m not even sure if I’ll take the full 9 months off.

Hoppinggreen · 04/10/2022 13:21

I don’t really have to and at times I haven’t but I am doing a job I really love and am well paid, it’s very flexible and the work itself is really interesting. Plus my colleagues are great (probably because I only see most of them face to face twice a year).
Given all that I see no reason not to work at the moment

Pollywoddles · 04/10/2022 13:22

I wouldn’t keep my current job, I would try something completely different.

emmetgirl · 04/10/2022 13:22

I'm 56 next week. I own my own business and work extremely hard. In an ideal world I'd love to work 3 days a week but at the moment I can't afford to pay someone else to do what I do in the other 4.
So yes I'd work but not as much as I do now.

Wowzers12 · 04/10/2022 13:23

No, I would probably volunteer in something that I enjoy but doesn't pay as well as my current job such as animal rescue etc

StJeanDeVence · 04/10/2022 13:23

lol not a chance in hell

Suedomin · 04/10/2022 13:23

I retired early and don't regret it for a minute.
The stress and anxiety weren't worth the extra money.

alloutoflunchideas · 04/10/2022 13:24

Not a chance
id Spend my time doing things I enjoy!

YennefersDress · 04/10/2022 13:24

No chance in hell.

If I won the lottery, I'd enjoy having a nice house, looking after it, having time to make nice dinners, do sewing and knitting and other bits that I like. And also just sitting around watching this morning. Wouldn't feel the need to do a thing.