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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think most people wouldn’t give up work if they won their annual salary?

41 replies

coconuttella · 30/03/2018 17:52

There’s a new game show being advertised on Channel 4 called “I don’t like Mondays” hosted by Alan Carr that seems to be based on the concept of winning your annual salary so you can give up work for a year....

I’m just not convinced that many people actually would. If I won my annual salary I’d either pay off some of the mortgage, pay some into my pension, or go on a better holiday etc. I definitely wouldn’t give up work! Am I unusual in thinking like this?

OP posts:
IStillMissBlockbuster · 30/03/2018 17:53

Surely you're not unusual. Who gives up their job for a year off? It's not enough for very much at all.

SpringHen · 30/03/2018 17:53

I wouldnt but I wouldnt do any overtime.

MrsLaurac · 30/03/2018 17:56

In a dream world i would in reality however if alan was to ring my work and ask for me to get a year off he wouldn't get a favourable reaction so yeah with a years salary i would pay off some of the mortgage

ScreamingValenta · 30/03/2018 17:57

No, I wouldn't - what happens at the end of the year? My employers aren't going to let me have a year off unpaid and just hand me my job back at the end of it Confused.

Original poster
coconuttella · 30/03/2018 17:58

Who would? It would be a strange thing to do... It smacks of having zero aspiration or ambition, and assumes you live, and only ever intend to live, a hand to mouth existence.

OP posts:
scrabbler3 · 30/03/2018 17:59

Depending on what you do, it may not be possible to get another job after a year. People need to consider their pension too, because the state certainly won't be providing much.

ScipioAfricanus · 30/03/2018 18:00

Not for a year, because it would mean that I couldn’t get my job back. This game would presume you had some kind of very in demand or very low skilled and easily replicated job. I don’t think think anyone feels like that at the moment given the way economy and employment are going.

Then there is pension to think of.

ikeepaforkinmypurse · 30/03/2018 18:00

I couldn't afford to, so no I wouldn't. I took a year off before having kids, I might do it again or retire early enough, but with kids to support now is definitively not the time I would stop working! I''d have to rebuild my entire business if I step out for an entire year, it's not as easy as "taking time off and getting a temp to cover".

Original poster
coconuttella · 30/03/2018 18:01

I mean, have you ever heard of anyone having a year off work when they get a £25,000 inheritance?... such a crap concept for a game show! I think it shows those in the entertainment industry have no real concept of how most people live their lives...

OP posts:
LemonSqueezy0 · 30/03/2018 18:01

I would give up my current role, and it would give me a bit of breathing space to get a new one...I wouldn't have a year off and go back...

I guess it's just a arbitrary amount to give the game show a 'hook'....

polkadotpixie · 30/03/2018 18:03

I would because I hate my job and I'm 16 weeks pregnant and knackered. I'd get another job afterwards but it'd be nice to have the breathing space

supersop60 · 30/03/2018 18:03

I did win my annual salary. £20,000 on the Lottery. I used it to pay off debts, buy a small car and some stuff for the house. Certainly couldn't afford to take a year off.

DextroDependant · 30/03/2018 18:08

That's just bizarre. I definitely wouldn't give up a job I love in a company that is good to work for just for a years salary.

ikeepaforkinmypurse · 30/03/2018 18:08

how does the show work though? Does a random person get their exact annual salary? So it could mean anything between £15,000 (roughly minimum wage if I am correct) and 150,000+++ depending on the candidate?

edwinbear · 30/03/2018 18:10

When I got made redundant it took me a year to find another job. I wouldn't take the risk. An extra years money would be very handy mind.

reallybadidea · 30/03/2018 18:11

I wouldn't even give up work if I won the lottery. I'd maybe use the money to buy the company I woke for so that I could be in charge, but I'd still work Grin

DwangelaForever · 30/03/2018 18:12

I would go on it so I could take the full year of maternity leave off!

EmpressOfJurisfiction · 30/03/2018 18:12

I inherited just over my annual salary & mostly used it to clear debts and build up my savings. It never occurred to me to give up work, I love my career & I'd only have to start job hunting again in a year's time. Daft idea.

caroldecker · 30/03/2018 18:17

Many employers allow sabbaticals. 12 months to travel, for example, would suit many.

OakIsBetterTho · 30/03/2018 18:19

My annual salary is about £20k. I don't own my own home and I need a new car... the chances of me giving up work and trying to live on what I had left over are slim to absolutely none!
At least £6k would go on a new car and the rest would be combined with me and DPs savings to cobble together a deposit and that'd be that!
God that would be amazing.

Sashkin · 30/03/2018 18:20

It would be great to have a year off work (that’s why I had DS Wink), but one year’s salary wouldn’t be enough to allow me to do it. Not once “time spent getting a new job next year” is taken into account.

I expect it’s aimed at 20somethings who want to go travelling. If you have a fairly entry-level job and no commitments, you could take a year off and then move back in with your parents while you job hunt. When you’re 40 with a mortgage and family, it’s not that straightforward. And 40 year olds like me don’t make as compelling TV as hot 20 year olds, do they?

MajesticWhine · 30/03/2018 18:20

I wouldn’t give up work. I would spend the money on some really fancy holidays.

TempusFugitive · 30/03/2018 18:21

I haven't seen the show but I guess it's better TV if people actually give up work than say ok, right I'll purchase some added reckonable service for my pension. That's not great TV.

Dangerousmonkey · 30/03/2018 18:21

No. Most people wouldn't. That's why the idea of a citizen income (No benefits) is great. You have a comfort zone. Maybe more time maybe a chance to improve an idea, hobby or education. Most people aren't as lazy as those who think a standard base income is a bad idea. Because they know what THEY would do. Generally people strive though.
n

TempusFugitive · 30/03/2018 18:22

I'd go four days a week. That'd suit me so well.