To wonder if men just hate working?

[moutonfou]

I grew up with a dad who hated having to work. Did nothing about it, never took any steps to change; just stayed in the same job for decades and let his hatred of work consume his life and destroy his relationships.

I'm worried DH is going the same way. It's not the job he hates, it's having to work. He says he hates work constantly and after having exhausted all practical suggestions I feel like saying: we have to make money. Take steps to make it more bearable, or just deal with it.

I hate working too but I just accept its something I have to do until I can come up with a way not to, or retire.

I've known morose, dour men who have literally had a personality transplant overnight upon retiring, whereas a lot of the women I've known who've retired have ultimately become restless or still chosen to take on projects/voluntary work etc.

Do men have some particular issue with having to work? Is it the feeling trapped?

Dh likes working. He's in an interesting field with an aspect of vocation about it, which helps. I also like my work - I do work very commensurate with my skills and talents.
If we came into a fortune I would probably dial my work right down - not stop completely but be very selective about what I took on - but I think dh would keep his job just the same.

My dad enjoyed his work and my mother loathed and detested hers.

Working is not everyone's cup of tea. In life your fortunate if you enjoy your job and earn a decent salary. Many people are in low paid jobs and the stress levels can be high. Trying to balance a job and family life can also be challenging especially without support.
If we surveyed the country I wonder how many people would stay in their current job if they had a choice. The job market is also competitive and not everyone can match the expectations regarding qualifications required for many of the jobs out there. Many people have to settle in their work life and unfortunately colleagues and mangers are not always nice so that doesn't help either. Work can also create low confidence so I understand why many people hate work.

On a happy note Work can be fantastic if you have a great job and look forward to going to work every day!

I hope one day to have a job I enjoy!

Work isn't what it used to be; all those jobs for life have broadly gone. You cant rely on those jobs being there for 40 odd years, the council, the police, the armed forces, the NHS, banks, the old utility and manufacturing industries, they all suffer redundancies. With that brings financial pressure, every single day. It is a massive burden, mainly to men, because despite the socio-economic shift, it is still the man who is expected to be the breadwinner. There is no such thing as economic stability and job security. It is not a pleasant way to live, it does not enhance the work/life balance people mither on about.

I resent working. But it's a necessary evil and even if I could stop, I'd probably cut down rather than quit entirely. I can quite happily spend my time at home and feel much less restricted without a job dictating my time! Bills to pay, alas!