Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

To consider not going back?

62 replies

Tigger365 · 18/07/2019 17:49

I’ve been off sick for a while (few months).
If I go back, it can only be part time, instead of full due to changing health.
Numbers are immaterial but, if I stay at home, I would receive £1000, but if I go back to work I will receive £1060. I use about £40 in petrol going to and from work.

I love my job, and I really think I need the social side. But my health is not going to get better.

WIBU to consider not going back to work?

OP posts:

bellabasset · 19/07/2019 08:18

Personally I would be glad to work while I was able to as it gives your week focus. You will keep up to date with your IT skills.

The benefit to your mental health as a valuable member of your team is incalculable and far outweighs the financial benefit. Also many people take pride in being financially independent while they are able to be.

dottiedodah · 19/07/2019 08:30

I think as others have said here,the best option for you is to not give up your job!.Although as you say, there is only a small amount of difference financially between working P/T or not at all ATM. looking ahead you will have more years to contribute towards your pension for example .Also with the govt we have as Font says you will be harassed into taking any job there is .Dont forget pay rises which may occur .Also could you car share for example to save costs ?.

JemimaPuddlePeacock · 19/07/2019 08:35

The bit I’m stuck on, is do I love my job to essentially work for free.

Well, you’re not working for free you’re working for a salary. Surely even from a self esteem perspective it’s better to continue working if you’re able to than to rely on benefits? I don’t understand this ‘I’d be working for free’ mentality just because benefits are an alternative.

Username9641 · 19/07/2019 08:46

You say your employer may not take you back if they dismiss you - others may not take you on either, most jobs seem now to ask why you left your previous job and you'd have to be upfront that you were fired. Doesn't look good.
Working will clearly be better for your MH as you've said, plus pension and all the other positives - no reason to quit/be fired!

surlycurly · 19/07/2019 08:57

I think you're crazy relying on benefits the way things are politically. And it's incredibly short sighted both in terms of your future finances (pension/ NI etc) and also in terms of the what if factor. Your circumstances may not always stay as they are now: if your partner works they may lose their job, get ill and not be able to support you, or even leave you! I have a health problem that would be helped by not working full time. I also have a disability that would be helped by not working full time. I would probably make more money by working part time and claiming benefits. It seems like a no brainer until you factor in all the stress, uncertainty and unreliability of receiving either PIP or UC payments. So I work despite the other options. It also means I'm providing a better future for myself pension wise. I suggest you go with your head on this one, and not your heart. If it's really unsustainable you can always leave further down the line.

PurpleCrazyHorse · 19/07/2019 11:04

I agree with all the points above.

40 years is a long time to presume you will remain eligible for benefits.

Original poster

Tigger365 · 20/07/2019 12:07

Thank you all for your opinions. I think I’ve decided I’m going to go back, when I can, unless the doctor and occupational health won’t let me.
I appreciate the different viewpoints

OP posts:

DanglyWhoreTassels · 20/07/2019 17:31

Tigger I just wanted to say that I think you are very strong. I've seen on other threads how much pain you are in and some of the conditions you suffer from are notoriously agonising.

I think you are an amazing person and your workplace is very lucky to have you with your work ethic and values. It sounds like your boss realises this hence how much he values you.

I salute your strength of character! It's a rare quality and you have it in spades!

omafiet · 20/07/2019 17:35

I think you would be absolutely insane to consider giving up work. You love your job and your boss is terrific. Why on earth would you walk away from that and choose to be one dependent upon the capricious whims of the governing party? Madness!!

omafiet · 20/07/2019 17:35

Just saw your update - right decision!

Thecurtainsofdestiny · 20/07/2019 18:14

I have a disability and it has been difficult to stay in work due to the degree of pain.

But I too love my job despite its challenges and have adjustments from my employer.

I am really grateful to still be in work.

Hope it works out well for you too

NC4Now · 20/07/2019 18:18

That's really good advice from fontofnoknowledge.

I was in a similar position after mat leave. I broke even by ging back to work as a single parent. I had to look at the long game, and I have been able to progress my career. You should still be eligible for promotion and all the benefits of employment even though you are part time.

Flip

1 2 3