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Original poster

If you didn't need to work, what would you do??

71 replies

NewFriday · 06/02/2023 17:12

I'm 53 and financially I could retire. I have a decent job that I enjoy some of the time, but also find at times frustrating and others boring. It gives me quite a bit of status, which I do enjoy

I think the fact that I know I don't need to do it, doesn't help. Knowing you need to do it for the money probably keeps most of us going more than we realise at the time.

So I'm starting to seriously think about retirement, but where do you get that sense of value and importance, the feeling that you're needed from if not work?

I've done some volunteering in the past and whilst it fills time, I never felt it gave the same sense of achievement as worthwhile work, you're always just helping out rather than doing iyswim.

If you could retire young and fit, would you and what would you do instead of work?

OP posts:

akabluebell · 06/02/2023 22:22

Well we travel a lot in the winter. Currently on a 12 week jolly around south america amongst other places. We have a boat in which we travel around England in the summer. We meet lots of people, and generally have lots of fun, and keep healthy and fit.

SparkleBrows · 06/02/2023 22:49

akabluebell · 06/02/2023 22:22

Woukd youbhave gone on your own? There's that "we" word again.

LondonQueen · 06/02/2023 22:51

Travel more and volunteer for a children's charity. Currently a teacher.

merrymelodies · 06/02/2023 23:03

From observing my parents pre-retirement and post retirement, my stepdad and mum dreamt of travelling and "relaxing" and other vague plans whilst my dad continued to teach, volunteer and work on various community projects. My dad was completely happy and fulfilled during his retirement. My mum and stepdad were bored and restless.

merrymelodies · 06/02/2023 23:08

Posted too soon. When I retire, I plan to get a Master's in art, after which I'll be qualified to teach drawing and painting.

Hickorydickorydockery · 06/02/2023 23:17

I have just had my NHS prediction for when I am 60 …left in 2006.I now definitely intend to work part time until 67 in this job and use my NHS pension for traveling!
Am now planning.

UsingChangeofName · 06/02/2023 23:18

SparkleBrows · 06/02/2023 22:49

Woukd youbhave gone on your own? There's that "we" word again.

Show quote history

I do know a couple where one of them won't fly.
In retirement, the other has travelled several times to some marvellous places (Great Wall of China, Barrier Reef, The Inca Train in Peru, Iceland to name a few) on his own - booking with groups (not sure if they are all solo traveller or just people that want to go on specific tours). they have had many marvellous adventures and made many friends on these trips - it is possible if you are willing to take the first step.

popyourcollar · 07/02/2023 20:11

@Alexandra2001 Sounds like you would have a huge amount to offer. They are a great organisation and really need volunteers - hope you go for it!

Craftybodger · 07/02/2023 20:16

I’d get on with bodging together all those unfinished crafts, resin button making is a current interest, lots of sewing, swimming, baking and volunteering a morning a week to hear readers in a local school. Few more years of work and the school run to come first though!

Alexandra2001 · 07/02/2023 21:07

popyourcollar · 07/02/2023 20:11

@Alexandra2001 Sounds like you would have a huge amount to offer. They are a great organisation and really need volunteers - hope you go for it!

Thankyou, about 14 years ago, i did have a look at it but it was too soon and i found myself reliving the accident over again.

But it wasn't so long after and i had a teenager to deal with too and working FT, now i'm in a different place.

Your view of them matches mine, they do amazing working, made a huge difference to me.

Yes i will.

PermanentTemporary · 07/02/2023 21:21

My mother did travel a lot solo. She used companies like Explore but usually went on longer trips on her own with some short group trips included. She was always quite solitary though.

For me... I'm really not sure. When I've done big volunteering jobs in the past
, I've found them even more stressful than work, and I don't even get paid.

I think I would drop to the lowest PT job I would be allowed (probably 3 days) and would see how that went.

Twospaniels · 07/02/2023 21:23

Finding this really interesting as I am in a similar situation, but do have my husband still thankfully.
We plan to caravan more, buy a boat and tour round the rivers and canals of Britain, travel abroad.
He is looking into becoming a magistrate but that’s not for me.
I hope to join some groups locally, walking, netball etc, and perhaps volunteer for some charity work

StellaOlivetti · 07/02/2023 21:36

We retired early, at age 55 and 56. I can’t tolerate a lack of structure so my week is built round regular exercise: swimming, aqua fit, cycling, netball and tennis. I am also a magistrate. It leaves lots of time for other fun stuff like reading and seeing friends and family. I appear, though, to have totally given up cooking!

MrsHughesPinny · 07/02/2023 21:47

Travel a lot, write a book, do a PhD and take up some creative pursuits like pottery, am dram or learning the piano.

JoanThursday · 07/02/2023 21:50

I'd learn - perhaps go back to university. I'd take time to travel, and I'd do some volunteer work.

My parents are in their mid 70s and have been retired since they were 60. Both do a lot for their community: they're on committees, mum gets involved in setting up craft fairs, and they both help out at the village's regular lunches for the older people in their community (some of which are younger than them!). Dad has recently opened up the community hall as a 'warm space' where the community can come together.

And when they're not doing that, they're away on short breaks, visiting distant family etc.

I don't know where they get their energy from, but they're amazing.

grosslyunfair · 07/02/2023 21:58

I'm younger than you and in a similar position- I've also recently been through a bereavement and am moving house so lots going on!

I've cut my work hours to two days a week which I am loving so far- not as involved emotionally it's true but enough to keep me engaged. I'm conscious that when my current upheaval is over I need to find constructive things to do. I'm keen to do a little volunteering- I have something I feel strongly about that I would like to help with- and I'm getting involved with some dog charities and sports with my dog. I also like to travel and do that a bit. I'm not sure where my balance will end up but I feel it's a conscious effort to make other points of value in my life. Whether through volunteering, new friends or old friends

MsNightingale · 07/02/2023 22:16

I’m in a similar position. I’m lucky in that I can do contract work, so I just pick and choose what I want to do. Then have some time off afterwards. I like gardening. I thought I would miss the status, but it turns out I don’t. Not one jot. I’m a lot more secure in my identity than I had thought!

Mumski45 · 07/02/2023 22:25

I am same age and in a similar situation. I took a part time job in the NHS with a significant pay cut a few years ago and see it as semi- retirement. I do think I get the best of both worlds in that I am able to be part of a team without the full time commitment. I can do the job easily although it is frustrating at times.

I am able to spend my days off supporting my teens and going for long bike rides which I love.

I don't think I want to give up work completely just yet as I feel the balance is right for now.

Findyourneutralspace · 07/02/2023 22:35

I often dream about having all the time in the world to take pottery classes, daytime gym classes and have a clean house but I realise reading your post that I’m coming from a place of overwhelm.
In reality I’d miss the purpose.
I think I’d like to be a magistrate. It fits well with my work and life experience but it’s not a 9-5 commitment. Then the rest of the time Id do pottery and have a clean house.

SarahAndQuack · 07/02/2023 22:48

I'd do what I do now. I work part-time in a plant nursery and I absolutely love it - seeing things grow, working with birds nesting everywhere - it's just perfect!

The rest of the time I write, and I love that too.

ASGIRC · 18/04/2023 16:30

Ive just come across this as a suggested post

Oh man! If I was financially secure enough to not work, I wouldnt hesitate. I can happily entertain myself with my interests, family and friends.
And if I had money to travel, that would fill my time even more.

I guess my sense of purpose is not linked to what I do.

During the 1st lockdown I wasnt working and I couldnt even go out and see friends, and I had a lovely time! Imagine if I had all that time and was able to see people and do things, and had money (it was a big worry during covid)!!

So basically, Id be a lady of leisure,w ith zero regrets!

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