To have lost interest in working after 20 years?!?

[brownmouse]

I've worked for 20+ years. Another 25 to go...!

I'm bored with it! I'n disappointed in my career and just not really INTERESTED in it anymore. And I didn't even VAGUELY achieve what I hadn't hoped. But I also don't want to retrain.

Nothing interests me work wise. I'm sure in my 20s and 30s I was full of passion and wanting to ACHIEVE SHIT. Now I just want to stay at home and vacuum and drink tea and read books and hum to
myself.

I have another 25 years left to work.... I can't work part-time.

AIBU?!? Does anyone else feel the same?

[speakout]

My 5 closest friends are all in their late 40s and 50s, They all jacked in their careers to become SAHMs for a number of years.
Each one of them now has their own business or is self employed in a different area that they used to work in.

Hearing all the miserable people on this thread makes me glad I didn't stay on the hamster wheel.

[edwinbear]

42, working in finance after a glittering investment banking career which was everything I ever wanted growing up. I look at it now and it's all so pointless. But DC of 8 and 6 both in private school means it's nose to the grindstone for the foreseeable future.

I'm fucking knackered.

[phoenix1973]

I feel the same. Yanbu.

[StaplesCorner]

I'm 56 too and been working since I was 16, had a few months off when DD1 was born but went freelance and worked from home. I hate it. I hate it when I get a job in an office, I am about to leave one, I hate it when I work from home - I don't get anything done and get into a terrible state. I am just not cut out for work but now I am the main earner, my kids are mid-teenagers everyone needs more money than ever, have to keep at it. if I stopped work now we would be literally penniless within 2 months.

[thanksjaneshusbandatcaresouth]

“ never been interested in a career OR kids (they're just like work, to raise then they'd only have to go to work their entire lives themselves - what's the point!?).
Never been entirely sure what I, or anyone else, is really 'for'. confused”

Lol

[Bolokov]

Retired very early at 54. I was lucky in having enough money to meet my (very modest ) needs at this point and very fed up with my job.
It was great for a few months. But after 12 months of having no role or purpose I am now making plans to go back to work. Sorry to be a wet weekend and a contrarian but be careful what you wish for.

[Slightlyperturbedowlagain]

I think you are right Bolokov and am convinced that the best balance is achieved by 2 or 3 days at work per week. (But an honest 2or 3 days, not 2 or 3 days pay for 4 or 5 days work ) especially in high pressure jobs and where high pay would mean that 2 or 3 days money was enough to live on. When I did have a proper 3 day per week job I was extremely productive and did nearly as much as the full time staff- you cut out the bullshit time-wasting stuff, minimise meetings etc. Unfortunately that job wasn’t in the high pay category but it was interesting, complex and pressured and it was perfect part time because of that.

[boatyardblues]

Thanks for this thread. I have nodded or smiled wryly to many posts. DH and I are the wrong side of 45 and both in the pit of despond about work, asking if this is it. DH has done well but neen promoted away from the stuff that fulfilled and stimulated him. I seem to have got stuck on the mum track and watch less experienced young men get promoted over me. Agree with the poster who said shiny self promoters seem to do disproportionately well. 😕

[H0ttert0day]

I used to work Mon to Fri with long commute. I now work x shift on, x days off, with a short commute. So it now feels like I am on holiday every time I am on my off shift days ! I earn enough to fund my hobbies, pay my bills and holidays. I feel fortunate to have a good job that funds my lifestyle. Who would pay my bills and extras if I was not working ? I am also making provision for my retirement which could be for several years. I am lucky to have a good work _life balance.

[Gwenhwyfar]

"I'm fed up because I feel a bit lied to - I thought I'd get ahead by performing well and it turns out self promotion not competence is the name of the game. "

I hope it didn't take you till the age of 50 to figure that out :)

[Twelve1212]

I was made redundant and was fortunate to get employment quickly. When you are in this position it puts things into perspective. I also know people who have worked passed state retirement age, not for the money, but for the routine and social aspect of being with people. If you don't like your job can you change or look at enjoying your time outside work more ?