To 'throw away' this much money

[BloodyMaud]

Sorry this is going to be deliberately vague. Basically I'm currently doing a very temporary job that will earn about £2000. But it's hard and tiring, has to be fit in around everything else and I'm struggling. I'm just coming to the end of a demanding (and wholly unrelated) degree, and am due to start a proper job related to said degree in July. Also have 2 DSs, 4 and 1, eldest recently diagnosed with ASD, struggling at school (end of Reception) so trying to find somewhere better/ more suited to him for September, supposed to be moving house next month and this place is the most almighty guddle. I am physically and mentally totally exhausted from the last few years, and have had to restart taking antidepressants last week. I want to chuck in the temporary job. We don't need the money as in need it to live, but it would be very handy - as in would clear our credit card and we could put a bit away for Christmas/ emergencies. I feel pathetic - it's seasonal and I've managed it every year for the last six years, through being heavily pregnant/ having a newborn/ my own exams/ and never had a problem beyond getting a bit stressed. This year I just can't seem to face it. WIBU to chuck it in and 'throw away' the money or should I just pull up my big girl pants and set to?

Personally I think if you don’t “need” the money and it’s having a really negative effect on you then it isn’t worth it. It’s a bit different but I switched from a higher paid job to a lower paid one last year. Yes, sometimes I think oh but I could have had more money now, but the difference in my life has been so worth it. Stress causes so many health issues.

It's not throwing away the money, it's making a decision about whether you're willing to do what's necessary to get it. The same process as you go through every year, but this year, as your circumstances are different, you may make a different decision. Throwing away the money would be taking cash you already have and spending it on something inessential or unhelpful.

Your mental health is evidently fragile at the moment. I would decide based on whether you think it'll be better for your depression to do it and have the money, or not have to do it.

I would absolutely prioritise your well-being and do without the extra money, no question about it. You’re not throwing money away, you’re safeguarding your mental and physical good health.

Good mental health is priceless so if it is affecting you, think of it as an investment in your health.

Oh OP! I've been in a similar circumstance in the past. I took on a part time job to give us more in savings but it had a huge affect on my mental health. The savings weren't worth the mental drain.

As yours is seasonal, I would pack it in. It could always been there next year if you find yourself in a better place. But you've got so much going on (personally, I think moving is harder than pregnancy) that you need to put yourself first. The job is the thing that can go.

Don't feel bad about it! There's strength in admitting it's too much.

Only you can judge that. Personally I wouldn't put myself under any more pressure

Put your feet up lass. You need as much rest as you can till you start your new job, you deserve it. Always look after yourself.

Marking exam papers by any chance?

It's extremely hard work, draining, and they expect you to get through them very quickly. And mentally you have to be on top form to be fair to the candidates. (Uni tutor here, I don't do external marking but I know what it's like from having to do my own, and some of my colleagues do external.)

Take this year off, for your own sake and for the students', and maybe you'll be up to it next year.

And if it's not marking, ignore all the above

It’s not so much throwing away money but recognising that your mental health important too. Absolutely I’d skip it this year. Take care of yourself, your health matters more.