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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you work if you didn’t have to ?

265 replies

Inliverpool1 · 02/04/2019 19:08

Not as in won the lottery but as in it wouldn’t change your world beyond adult company and a bit of a life outside the house ?

OP posts:
Hassled · 02/04/2019 20:56

I don't really have to financially - DH earns a good amount - but I do really have to in terms of my own wellbeing and mental health. I'm better working full-time than I was part-time, and I was better part-time than I was in my SAHM-days. when the DCs were little. And I'm lucky enough to enjoy my job.

MrsJonesAndMe · 02/04/2019 20:56

Not paid work no, but I'd volunteer with old people, children and or animals.

Crazyhairymary · 02/04/2019 20:57

Yes because I find life pretty dull on the whole so working gives me purpose.

LaurieMarlow · 02/04/2019 20:58

No. And I love my job.

I’d start a charity i think.

Crazyhairymary · 02/04/2019 20:58

@Mrajonesandme

Reminds me of what Miss World contestants used to say 😂

havingtochangeusernameagain · 02/04/2019 20:58

I'm not really working now. I kind of need to but not really as I have about a year's savings.

I write the odd article and do a bit of freelance work and go to local networking events.

It's far less stressful though I keep feeling a bit guilty for not having a "proper" job.

Sculpin · 02/04/2019 20:59

Yes I would - in fact I do, as we could manage on DH's salary.

kaytee87 · 02/04/2019 21:00

I work 17.5 hours a week and look after our 2.5yo the rest of the time. I went back to work just after he turned 2.
I don't have to work and enjoyed spending over 2 years at home full time but didn't see myself never going back into the work place ever so thought I'd better get something part time so I don't become obsolete.
The pay is a lot less than I was on pre child but it's a rewarding job, I'm helping people but also I find it really easy and stress free so can't complain.

irregularegular · 02/04/2019 21:01

Most definitely. If not paid work then significant voluntary work that challenged me and made me feel like I was really contributing. But to be honest probably paid work as I think I more useful there than in most of the voluntary sector. But if I could find the right thing...

I might consider going down to 4 days a week of paid work. Or even 3 eventually. I'm half thinking about that anyway, depending how how things work out.

I want to learn new things, stretch myself, and make a difference to the world. Not in a huge way in the scheme of things, but enough. And for me the best way to do that is in a working role.

bridgetosomewhere · 02/04/2019 21:02

Nope! I'd happily entertain myself and have a lovely clean home, lots of home baking. Be there for the kids when they are ill instead of worrying about who would look after them.

I'd Meet pals for lunch, walk the dog every morning. I don't think I would be bored but then I really enjoy my own company. Plus dh works funny shifts and is often at home during the week.

I might do something voluntary that I enjoy? Don't know tho....

irregularegular · 02/04/2019 21:02

I am however very lucky that my job is very flexible and mostly interesting, enjoyable and not horrendously stressful.

mustdrinkwaternotwine · 02/04/2019 21:06

Yes. I love my job and am good at it, much better than I am at housekeeping and possibly better than I am at parenting. I've also never had any time consuming hobbies so think I might be a bit lost without work to keep me occupied.
What I would do if I had more money is to buy in more help so I didn't have to do the bits of my life that I don't like. One of the most tedious bits (as it feels like lost time) is the 1.5hrs I spend in the car commuting each day. If money was no object, I'd have a driver or a taxi and spend the time reading (audible is not the same) or MNing or something. Ideally, someone would invent a car with a cross trainer in it and some weights so I could combine exercise & the commute. I'd also get someone to come in for an hour each morning just to tidy the place up, sort the washing out, empty the dishwasher... just the time consuming, tedious tasks that have to be done each day. They could also make packed lunches, put away the supermarket shop & that sort of thing.

EggplantVestibule · 02/04/2019 21:08

I don't have to work, DH happily supports us. I work because I absolutely love my job and the children I care for. I only work part time now that mine are at school, but my word, I love it so much.

deadsexy · 02/04/2019 21:09

No way!

Polarbearflavour · 02/04/2019 21:09

Hahahahaha no.

I have a bullshit job. I’ve just read the book “Bullshit Jobs” and it’s changed my view on life.

Redwinestillfine · 02/04/2019 21:11

Not a chance

Thurmanmurman · 02/04/2019 21:11

I don't have to but I do as I like to be financially independent. If I won the lottery that would be a different matter!

IamAporcupine · 02/04/2019 21:16

Yes, but waaaay less. Two days a week, three max

Wallywobbles · 02/04/2019 21:23

Yes.

jay55 · 02/04/2019 21:28

My main hobby is writing, if I could do that full time and not my day job I would in a heartbeat.

I'd also be happy to give up work for a lotto win

RoseMartha · 02/04/2019 21:30

No. Because then I would have more time for the kids and elderly and needy parents. And might even squeeze a bit of me time. At the moment I have no me time at all.

Still18atheart · 02/04/2019 21:32

I’d go part time to 2 / 3 days a week

Bluecow15 · 02/04/2019 21:35

Yes. I need a reason to get up in the morning

Surfingtheweb · 02/04/2019 21:36

I always used to think I would, but I'm a bit older now (pushing 40) now i would travel, join a private members club, have lots of hobbies, can't see that work would be on my list 😂

wafflyversatile · 02/04/2019 21:41

No. If I had the same money as I do now id prefer not to work.