To not really want to work anymore?

[caranconnor]

I am 50 and although I have enjoyed working in the past, I would prefer never to work again. I feel I have done enough. It is not an option, I have to work for another 17 years. But anyone else feel like this?

Yes, I agree. I don’t work in those areas but there are definite links. Some jobs that I would deem pretty safe are ones relating to the body - so, physiotherapist, midwife, that sort of thing.

I normally don’t write or reply posts, but this really stroke a chord with me OP. I don’t think I like or enjoy working anymore, like you. It is “ego depletion” that I feel in every area of my life. I worked really hard and fought perhaps too much to get to where I am now. This left me overly tired. I was born and lived in another country until I was 29. Worked there for 10 yrs. Then came to the UK and finished a PhD. Then started an academic career from scratch. 9 yrs in academia, a good academic contract in a rubbish university (full time permanent). I don’t enjoy it the slightest. I would be dying for this post when I first started my PhD. I know I am lucky to have this job given the state of the UK HE but cannot motivate myself to continue. I can now publish in coveted journals as the people I was looking up when I was a student. But it’s too much effort all the time. I am also too lazy and reluctant to do everyday tasks let alone the work. Not sure what I am supposed to do. If I win the lottery one day I will stop working at that moment.

It has been so great reading this thread and realising I'm not alone. Honestly, the best thread ever.

I guess I am now semi retired as I work running my holiday let business. I feel guilty that I became so cynical about the corporate world. My inability to put up and shut up and fake enthusiasm has made me feel a bit of a failure up until now!

I am very lazy at the moment, I have to push myself to even do my hobbies (which I used to love) I think that part may be the menopause!

Nrtft
But I'm with most of you. Cannot wait to retire. I once got absolutely carpeted for saying this to a colleague a few years ago. Hauled in, told I shouldnt be like that and should never say it. So I said it more and louder.
I will pay mortgage off when I'm 54. Then I will just save every penny I can find until I think I have enough or get totally fucked off with working.
Private pension is peanuts, state pension wont kick in til I'm 70. That may change obviously.
Oddly OH recently changed his pension, he could have retired at 55 on old pension, he actively changed that to 60. He has a cracking pension but then he never had to take time out or go part time.

And l wish that we could take up our cause like the Waspies. I was born 3 years later. All through my working life l expected to retire at 60 or so. And l saved and planned accordingly. I never expected the menopause to hit me so hard

And now l have to find extra from nowhere. I’ve paid I’m enough to get my pension now.

The waspies could have fought for all women in the same situation. But they didn't. Just themselves. I don't think they deserve any money just like I (who was born one year after their cut off) don't deserve any.

If things don't change dramatically in political/cultural terms I have a nasty feeling that more automation will lead to more utterly bullshit jobs, because there is still this obsession with 'work' as in employment being a desirable thing. Well, it is, if your aim is to keep the masses compliant and occupied. They can't be allowed to choose what to do with their time, because then they will refused to be satisfied with crumbs...

OP do you have a plan to get you through to when you can collect your pension?

I'm considering taking mine at 55 at a reduced level.

Wish I could chuck it at 50 or 55. My private pension I have paid into since 21 years old is shit though. Well under a hundred quid a week at either age I got a quote for. Sickening. If we had known then what we know now about them moving the goalposts we may have made different decisions. Now it’s too late.