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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I absolutely hate working and believe it to be the worst thing about being an adult. AIBU?

389 replies

IntoTheSunset · 01/12/2015 17:16

I'd like to allay any concerns that anyone might have about my work ethic firstly. No one has ever complained about it in any job I've had. I realise that people have to work. I just find it depressing that I will likely have to continue working into my sixties and beyond. I'm 42 and would gladly retire tomorrow if I could. I also don't like how a person's place in society is defined by their job ahead of anything else. Do any MNers feel similarly?

OP posts:
grimbletart · 01/12/2015 17:21

Honestly no. I've had a terrific time working and finally retired at 70. Could have gone on but DH's health and the fact that I spent a lot of time working abroad, didn't mix.

SeasonalVag · 01/12/2015 17:22

Yes. I agree wholeheartedly. I was so relieved to get pregnant and get off the treadmill for a few years. I'm dreading going back as I know it'll be for ever

M48294Y · 01/12/2015 17:25

God no! I've had some brilliant jobs and met some excellent people through them. Life is a treadmill and I think you have a definite case of grass being greener op. Can you think about a change? 42 is still young.

Being a sahm is excessively dull a lot of the time, and I'm sure my retired relatives don't feel blessed and joyous every single day.

EssentialHummus · 01/12/2015 17:25

Yes, with knobs on.

This poem sums up my feelings towards work en-fucking-tirely.

TheBunnyOfDoom · 01/12/2015 17:27

Yep, 100% agree with you!

BackInTheRealWorld · 01/12/2015 17:27

I love my job, I absolutely LOVE it. I've also had some crap jobs that I hated. But what I hated most of all was not having a job. Being unemployed SUCKED.

ilovesooty · 01/12/2015 17:28

Absolutely not. I love my job and don't ever want to retire unless health issues prevent me from doing it.

IcecreamBus · 01/12/2015 17:28

Yup, I agree! Being a SAHM has its dull moments, but it's bliss compared to dragging myself to work every morning. I'm not going back ever.

littlemermaid80 · 01/12/2015 17:29

I suffer with depression and anxiety and so work has always been difficult for me. I've also experienced workplace bullying which didn't do my anxiety any favours.

We have no choice but to need two incomes plus I enjoy having my own money, rather than relying on DH for "pocket money" so have to just get on with it.
At the moment I'm in a job I enjoy most of the time with nice people, so just have to focus on the positives, and remind myself that I'm actually lucky to have a job at all.

OrangeSquashTallGlass · 01/12/2015 17:29

Pack it in and become self sufficient a la The Good Life?

FishOn · 01/12/2015 17:29

I agree

VestalVirgin · 01/12/2015 17:29

I would have to know what your job is to be able to determine whether you are being unreasonable.
Not all jobs are fun and fulfilling.

Maybe, if your job itself is boring, try to find some place to work where you can feel that your work has a positive impact on society.

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 01/12/2015 17:29

I love my job. I fully intend to work until I'm dead. Retirement is my idea of hell.

theshitestuff · 01/12/2015 17:30

Pack it in and go benefits.

I hear it's a great life - you'll get a big house, big telly and have loads of spare cash

FindoGask · 01/12/2015 17:33

"I was looking for a job and and then I found a job, and heaven knows I'm miserable now"

YANBU.

Drew64 · 01/12/2015 17:37

100% behind OP.

I hate my job with a passion.
I come in, do my job, take my money and go home!
I have no enthusiasm for it and can think of 100 better, more constructive things to be doing every day!

It makes it worse when I've up to a 3hr commute (round trip) and work about 8hrs a day.
That's 11hrs a day I am out of the house.
I sleep for 6hrs a night so in total I only have 5hrs a day with my DW and DC.

I feel even shittier now!

AliceScarlett · 01/12/2015 17:44

I'm on the fence, I love my job, feel really privileged to have it and it gives me a sense of purpose and meaning in my life. My commute is 10min drive (think that definately helps). But, it is hard, long hours, NHS is on its knees, etc.
I'd like to work part time, that would do me. But can't afford it.

abbieanders · 01/12/2015 17:46

Yeah, I agree, OP. My job is not in any sense dirty, degrading or in an area where people are routinely disrespected or attacked and it's not poorly paid.

However, I find it a real drag. It's not stimulating and is pretty pointless, really.

Dreading the end of maternity leave. My little baby is much better than my colleagues, I am dreading the two hour commute and just the sense of being on a treadmill.

HaydeeofMonteCristo · 01/12/2015 17:47

I enjoy my job. I don't live for it as such but I'm glad it's part of my life.

I think a person's job is part of what defines them, but obviously what they are like as a person should also be important. It's not everything about a person, clearly.

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 01/12/2015 17:47

somedays I do like my job, I find it a huge responsibility though and quite stressful. If someone gave me enough money tomorrow to have the equivalent of my salary every month I would happily leave, tis only the money keeping me at it. I would volunteer a few days a week and potter the rest if I could afford it.

Writerwannabe83 · 01/12/2015 17:49

I'm lucky that I absolutely love my job.

I I have far more amazing days than bad days. My job is a huge part of my life and I'm happy when I'm doing it.

DickDewy · 01/12/2015 17:51

It depends on what you do.

I was a waiter when I was a student - that was the most awful job ever.

I do a job that I enjoy and trained for for a long time.

IsabellaofFrance · 01/12/2015 17:51

I hear it's a great life - you'll get a big house, big telly and have loads of spare cash

You forgot the goat Grin

AnneElliott · 01/12/2015 17:53

I love my job! Always have done and I don't want to retire. I don't know what I'd do all day ( although I'm only 37 so retirement is a long way off).

Fairylea · 01/12/2015 17:53

I have hated every single job I have ever had and have worked in loads of different sorts of jobs from minimum wage to very highly paid and hated every single one of them. I am currently a full time carer to my disabled son and I would have to be literally on the breadline to even consider returning to work.