To wonder if you know anyone who has never really worked?

[doitanyways]

If so, how did their life pan out?

In particular, what did they do after retirement age?

[ImtheChristmasCarcass]

Well, you need to look at why you're supporting this person and whether or not you should continue to do so. Do you have a legal or moral obligation to support him? Do you want to continue to do so? Are you getting something worthwhile back in return for your support? If not, then you are well within your rights to stop.

For example, my brother. Although we never had to, I would have given him houseroom during his training or in-between gigs in exchange for yard work or DIY on our property. I would have fed him if he was hungry. But I would never have supported him financially. He was always capable of earning a good living, he chose not to do so in order to follow his dream of music. As our dad used to say 'You pays your money, you takes your chances'.

[splendide]

My DH has never really had a proper job, I pay for everything and he used to do all the housework and now does that and looks after DS a couple of days a week. He is a pretty successful artist in his field but it's never come close to commercially viable as an enterprise.

[GoblinLittleOwl]

Yes. A woman,single mother aged 32 who attached herself to a 19 year old son of a friend. Since had two more children. Her daughter, now in her twenties, walked out of school in year 6 and never returned, also never worked.
Mental health issues prevent them working, apparently.

[doitanyways]

Unfortunately he really can't work.

He does get jobs sometimes but never keeps them and the longer this situation has gone on the more problematic his work history has been.

He is 37.

[DownstairsMixUp]

I actually don't know anyone that hasn't worked. I know someone that hasn't worked since they were 35ish and are now 52 but that's about it (he is an alcoholic) Thought I might know someone but can't think of anybody.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Terry, he would give them an impatient brush off, he really would. I used to do these assessments and believe me, "impatient brush off" is a vast improvement on some of the situations I found myself in. I dealt with hostile people, denial, violence and massive cultural issues. All of which were just in a day's work. Your DB's assessment would really not be someone's first day on the job.

If you don't want to look into it, that's fine, but don't ignore the option if it might work for you because your DB's behaviour is challenging. You can tell the Duty Team that he is resistant, hates labeling and will likely try to fob them off.

[LassWiTheDelicateAir]

Several people -of the "has an unearned private income" variety.

[doitanyways]

Terry how would it work in practice?

Arf he lived with our dad

[Kreacherelf]

Tons! In fact, about half the people I went to school with...

I'm from a working-class area up north where there used to be loads of jobs, but there are hardly any now. Rather than move, like I did, most people stay and have kids, as an alternative to working. They seem to think they're doing this country a favour by producing kids and that they deserve to get paid for it. It's quite sad really.


However, there are no jobs there. Even minimum wage stuff is hard to come by, so unless people are willing to move/commute there isn't much incentive to get them into employment.

[Emmmder2015]

Interesting how lots of replies consider looking after children and volunteering as not "work". Even when a SAHM has four!

The fact someone is not paid doesn't necessarily mean they're not working, although I get the point in relation to not having a pension built up.

[SisterViktorine]

My mum and my sister are, and have always been, housewives despite degree/ professional qualification/ PhD.

They both married wealthy men and chose to stay at home. No benefits involved and the men pay lots of tax. I think they feel a bit sorry for me that I work- but I NEED to. I would quickly become depressed without the routine and sense of purpose work imposes on me.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I'm ten years out of the game so talking to the Duty SWs would tell you the process. Believe me, I could be very charming and reassuring when needed.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Oh and at the least, there would be a file somewhere if you got run over by a bus. I know it's worst case but he would need support.

[Badders123]

Can you do that?
Pay lump sums of money into your state pension of you haven't got enough years?

[bishboschone]

Is he your brother ? I have a son with sn so I get your fear for his future .. Surely he should get some sort of benefits if he is diagnosed .

[Sansoora]

Interesting how lots of replies consider looking after children and volunteering as not "work". Even when a SAHM has four!

The fact someone is not paid doesn't necessarily mean they're not working, although I get the point in relation to not having a pension built up.

I have 5 children and don't consider looking after children as not working. I just think it goes without saying that its work. A person doesn't always have to state the obvious.

[Ta1kinPeece]

Yes, of course
Some are rich
Some are poor
Some are disabled
Some are idle
Some are very old

Does it matter?

[CrazyMermaidHair]

Yes. The couple who lived next door to my late Grandmother. Four kids, neither had ever worked. The man apparently had a heart condition and also had menigitis as a young man and this had left him disabled. He's about 37 and has never worked

The woman was actually in the year above me at school and had the eldest almost as soon as she'd finished her GCSE's. She has never worked either. I think they are genuine because apart from a mobility car they barely had a bean to rub together. All of this nonsense about benefit claimants having huge Tv's, games consoles etc is all right wing media spin IMO.

[Badders123]

I ask because after a levels I had lots of low paid admin jobs.
Then I got ill and could only work part time.
I worked part time til I had my son at 31 then I worked part time again at 34/5 until I got pg with ds2 unexpectedly.
I have now not worked in 7 years.
I did voluntary work and OU courses but it's seems to count for nothing, sadly.
I seem to remember getting a letter some years ago saying I did not have enough contributions?
If I rang hmrc could they help me?

[ValancyJane]

My cousin, who is just a few months off turning 30. She claims benefits, does course after course through the job centre (usually childcare) and has done pretty much nothing. She didn't come to our lovely Aunties funeral a few years back because it was her signing on day I have as little to do with her as possible!

[planter]

Yes, lots of SAHM now reaching retirement age. Living off investments and husbands pension. Nice as long as there's enough cash to go wrong. Not claiming any sort of benefits so their choice really.

Also one male relative who is disabled and will be kept by the state until he dies.

[planter]

go round