Would you work if you didn’t need the money?

[Wendalicious]

I know times are crap right now and we all dream about the big lottery win- but in reality would you really give up work if you didn’t need the money?

Factoring in habit, socialising, “it’s what we do!” Would you honestly resign the next day?

Just thinking after a rubbish day- lighthearted ☺️

Depends on how much.

Enough to clear the mortgage/buy a dream house, but new cars, secure a decent pension, set up the kids and help out friend and family and basically have a nice life but not have enough left over to invest and live off the interest, no. Although I'd probably go part time or do something just as fulfilling but less demanding.

Millions and millions? Hell yes. I'd take enormous joy in solving all my loved-ones' money worries and I have a whole charitable organisation planned in my head which I could bring to fruition.

I learned a while ago that I need to feel fulfilled to feel happy, so a playboy lifestyle would never work for me. I need a purpose. A big win would simply give me the freedom to chose a purpose that isn't constrained by my own limitations and lack of money.

I would not work for anyone else, but I would do something. That's the dream isn't it? Doing what you want - and love - for your job/career??? Be it writing, acting, singing, dance, sculpture, dressmaking, cooking/baking, model-making, flower-arranging, gardening, crafts, photography, doing up old cars or motorbikes, being a personal trainer, running your own gym or dance studio or recording studio or theatre, running your own little store, or cafe or seaside gift shop, opening an animal rescue, running a little creche, run your own charitable organisation, etc etc etc.

I have never loved working for an employer, though my current job that I have been in for nearly 11 years is OK. (wfh I.T. job that has very flexible hours. 22.5 hours a week.) Good employer, get paid in full if sick, 6 weeks holiday a year, + all bank holidays, quite good pay, and a good pension. But if I won the lottery tomorrow - £1million or more, I would still quit, and do something I really love instead.

I would still only do it part time though, and spend a 2-3 months of the year travelling, and would spend hours and HOURS a week in my garden, and going for lovely long walks. DH feels the same. Would quit work, but would still do something.

But tl;dr. No I would not WORK for anyone else. Just turn my fave hobby into a career. And work when I want to. (And NOT work/have 3-4 weeks off in a row when I want to!)

In a heartbeat. I've worked since I was a young teen, always said I could never nit work, but after 6 yrs of single parenting, work, I'm done

I never wanted to work but always worked since leaving uni at 18 until I took early retirement in my early fifties. My parents had serious work ethics in them and made it clear that no one in their home was going to be on benefits unless they were unwell. They also taught us to work really hard when youngers and be prudent with out money and never to borrow money unless its for yuor home and or business

We never wanted and never got a penny from anyone and are proud of where we are thanks to my parents and my OH's parents. TBH, when I was younger I did not feel like that and wanted to give up work several times, so I changed jobs/careers.

No, I wouldn't. I love my job and I work as a consultant so I keep my own hours.

Nope.
I'd keep my flat in the city and buy a house in the country with as massive garden. I'd spend my time flitting between the two. I may volunteer the odd day in my profession or do some mentorship. But working for 'the man' again? Not in a million years.

I'd probably look around for a low-stress part time job ... much like what I'm looking for now I'm returning to the paid workforce after seven years as my mother's carer! Be nice not to have to consider the pay rate at all, though.

Vibrater testing unit 😉.

I would now. I'm 57. I wouldn't have 5 or 10 years ago.

Meant to say I would give up work now, not the other way round 😩

I think these answers depend on the age of the poster and the job they do.
Without being disrespectful, a 30 year old pottering about working for themselves doing something they love after being set up financially by parents-yes I can see they might carry on.
A 59 year old who’s always had to struggle, working for an employers to whom they are just a number-no. Give up and enjoy life.

Yup, without a doubt I’d quit work. I’ve got it all planned out. I’d have a fully staffed beauty salon in my mansion at all times (obviously the staff would be paid a decent rate) I’d start the day with a lovely massage/facial, whatever I fancied really. Then I’d have my hair/makeup/nails done. I’d invite over any friends who wanted to have some pampering too.

Then, I’d go and do one of my many hobbies which could include holidays/scuba diving/bungee jumping or running a zoo.

Gonna be great.

I'd start a consultancy business so I controlled my hours and contracts. Probably work half the year and chill in the garden or go on holidays for the other half.

I would get extremely bored if I didn't have something to do, so I'd probably also end up writing a professional book and start speaking at conferences. My profession genuinely does interest me and I'd hate to lose touch with colleagues and connections.

Years ago I would have said I’d continue working. Now? Absolutely not. I’m a doctor and I love working with patients and fixing them, but the NHS grinds you down and now I’d begrudge even having to work my notice.

that reminds me… need to buy a lottery ticket 😁

Nope. I wouldn't even work my notice.

If I get bored I can find some volunteer work but otherwise I'll have time to do things that make life feel rushed right now

Thank you- I am very late 40s, kids tweens and work in a job for minimum wage that was supposed to be less stress but is horrendous (education 😉) the millions bit is a dream x

Would I fuck.

I don't need to work. I like work.

The only reason I'd give up would be to monitor and manage my £149,000,000! That would be onerous and quite complex.

I retired early, I await DH who is younger than me. I had worked FT for 30 years with 2 short maternity leaves. I had a gap before I could claim my pension at 55. I have a passive income from investments which has improved enormously over the last couple of years. So I find myself doing two days voluntary work for charities I feel passionate about and lots of hill walking and art and dancing lessons. I have been really unwell for 4 weeks though on the mend now. I'm glad I can just do nothing to recover more quickly. Whereas a month off of work would have had me guilt ridden and probably trying to go back too early and making myself more unwell.

People without hobbies or things they feel passionate that only work and do not do much else and can’t envision them doing it I can see why it’s an issue. It’s dangerous to let only your work define you because unless you die in service that work will end one day.

Confucius said "Find something that you love to do and you will never do a day's work in your life". I could have retired many years ago. I still work because I like what I do.

I used to love what I did. I retired early because governments since 2010 have destroyed it and it’s now not a doable job. So that doesn’t always work @OldScribbler

I have worked for myself almost my entire life so not really applicable. But I could have retired many years ago. I still work because I like what I do.

I recall once asking a student audience how many of them wanted to work for themselves. Only 10% said they did.

I said "what's' the matter with you? Why work for idiots all your lives?

Absolutely not. I’d love to go and do something I care about and volunteer instead. Like helping at care homes or working with the homeless. I’d definitely put my energy into something like this but I wouldn’t do any paid work if I didn’t need to.

Because not every manager is an idiot? Because not everyone can work for themselves? What a very strange question.

Nope! I would do more volunteering, educate myself more (learn more languages, do another degree) and get involved in philanthropy (if I had squillions, that is). Probably do another house renovation as well as I enjoy that sort of thing.