How much money is enough?

[Mrsfeckwittery]

Name changed but am curious.
I’ve read many threads on Mumsnet where folk seem to get absolute pelters for having a cushy life making me think that such comments come from a place of seething jealousy.
So if you have no mortgage, significant savings, adequate pension kicking in mid 50s and live well within your means, why would you continue to work or up your hours if you don’t want to or need to and everyone in your family is happy with that arrangement.

Beats me!

Because you enjoy your work and find it rewarding? Money is not the only reason people work. Why does JKR keep writing or Rishi Sunak work at all (he could be a kept husband since his wife has enough for both of them)?

We're in the scenario you describe. No mortgage etc. I continue to work because I still have bills to pay, I like socialising, and I like buying stuff. All of which costs money.

DH continues to work because he enjoys it.

Working and keeping occupied feeds the mind. I will still be working 3 days a week when I am 80, not because I have to but because I want to.

In your opening post your last paragraph is a contradiction.

I can get that @skippy67 and @JaninaDuszejko but if a woman says actually I’m jacking it in and chilling a bit or no I’m not upping my hours because my current situation suits, her decision is often derided.

I can't imagine not working. I get loads from my work, a sense of purpose and achievement, a feeling of contributing something important, meeting people from walks of life I wouldn't otherwise some into contact with, routine and structure, status.

Work is good for us, the Blue Zone documentary showed that in all of the areas where disproportionate numbers live to 100, people have a clear sense of purpose and don't really ever retire. Also community, good diet and regular gentle exercise.

I sort of get what you mean. I've continued to stay working part time even now DDs are at school. DH also works part time so we both have time off together during the week. My work had assumed I'd be increasing my hours when DD2 started school but in all honesty, I don't want to. Our current set up works well for us and we don't need the extra money. But if you say that you get raised eyebrows.

I went part time, term time when DC were at school. They're now in their twenties, and I've only this year gone full year. Still part time though. Really don't care if other people want to deride me for not working full time.

Most people in that situation have a career more than just a job. It is part of who they are. Giving up work is like giving up a bit of their identity.

Again, great if that’s what suits you. But if someone chooses not to work they are often lambasted. Why? It suits them, it’s their decision, they can afford not to, they are not sponging off the state, their life choice has no impact on anyone else

But you asked "why would you continue to work?". What others choose to do is their business. If I had an opinion on it, it would be out of concern e.g. I don't think it's ever good for a woman to be completely dependent on a man. I'd be worried for a friend with fragile mental health having too much time on their hands etc.

@ThreeRingCircus that’s exactly what I mean. I get that some folk identify through their work but others don’t.

Working when you don't need to could be considered as taking a job from someone who needs it more.

Again, great if that’s what suits you. But if someone chooses not to work they are often lambasted. Why?

Beats me.
That being said, I would never not work. I'd hate to be fully dependent on someone else financially. So many people reach a certain age then panic about not having built up any pension.

@Frodofeeling I suppose I could have worded it better so I get why people continue to work but if someone chooses not to they can often get quite a bruising on here and raised eyebrows in real life.

I’ve noticed my DH is now receiving the same eyebrows now that he is in the early retirement zone.

Do what suits you OP. If you have enough money to provide the life you happy with you do you. I wouldn't tell people too much. Don't listen to silly comments that are made by people minding your business.

It's your health, happiness and life. You owe nobody an explaination.

Well I'm in my 50's, pay rent, can't afford not to work.

A good rule is not to tell people who have less than you how well off you are. That invites comments coming from a place of envy.

Work isn't always about money, which is why so many well educated women I know take part time low paid or even voluntary work. It's about keeping your brain and body active, giving your life a purpose, getting out of the house, retaining a bit of yourself and not being just someone's mum, wife or daughter, at beck and call.

I understand what you're saying OP.

There is definitely an attitude of 'you should be working', even if you don't need or desire to.

Work is not the only thing that gives purpose in life and if people want to retire and have the means to, well good for them. Ignore the judgement.

I should add that I do have female family members who packed up work in their late 40s, early 50s to become fulltime housewives or grandmothers. Its fine if that's what you want, but all the full time housewife does now is clean, shop and do lunch. She is happy doesn't have anything to talk about apart from what she cleaned, brought or is wearing.

@Yocal yes absolutely. I never would do that. But it’s the go to question isn’t it? ‘So what do you do?’ And usually followed by raised eyebrows and further probing as to how you fill your day. So I certainly don’t advertise the fact but will truthfully answer such questions and find I feel discomfort. And on a forum such as this it can be brutal.

Yeah get that surgeons job posted down the job centre
It might get Bob back on the straight and narrow and get him off the crack

But that’s just one person. Not all FT housewive’s have limited conversations.