To wonder how many people would give up work if they had the choice?

[malificent7]

I would. I do enjoy being kept occupied...for example i love study and crafts but i find workplace politics make me very anxious and depressed...i just can't handle them.
My ideal "job" would be an artist but i need to pay bills.
Jobs don't make me happy but i would be less happy if hungry and% or homeless.
If i won the lottery i would start a busoness so i would still want an occupation but one that wasn't in a position where I dont have to deal with too much politics( pipe dream i know.)

If I win the lottery I'd buy a big bit of land and manage it for wildlife. So still doing my job, but privately iyswim.

I'd love a job but the kids don't want to go to after school clubs/want me here when they get home. And my partners not keen either

Why are you letting others make your decision for you? Of course your kids don’t want you to work, they like life as it is but they would get used to after school club or you can get an after school helper to pick them up. Your partner doesn’t want the hassle.

I can afford not to work. My husbands life insurance policy means I have a good income for life but I love working. I have a great career, lovely colleagues and it provides me with a mental challenge and improves my mental health. I struggle having a week off at home if the kids are at school!

I would. I have always loved my job but as I’m now pregnant with my first child, my priorities are changing. As a head of faculty in secondary school, in normal times I work between 60-65 hours a week, including at least one full day at the weekend...sometimes two. In the past I’ve just got on with it and accepted the fact that my payslip says 32.5 hours a week! However, if lockdown has taught me anything it’s that I can work all the hours I want, make personal sacrifices such as not seeing my parents for three-four months at a time as I’m busy marking/writing pupil reports/ writing exam reports or school development plans and it doesn’t matter because there will always be a percentage of the population (feels quite large at the minute) that has an inherent hatred of teachers. I’ve always been proud of the work I do and know I always give my absolute best for the pupils in my care. However, during the past couple of weeks, some of the threads and posts I’ve read on here have really made me question why I’ve made so many personal sacrifices, why I’ve worked so many unpaid hours and ultimately ask is it worth it and will I think it’s worth it when I have my own child to look after?

In a heartbeat and I’d never look back.

@coronabeer23
Not even sure how good I’d be at working now as seem to even struggle to leave the house for food shopping. 😬

I absolutely love my job, so no.

But it would be nice to go freelance, feel no pressure of targets and only take on projects that really engaged me.

I gave up work due to circumstances. My jobs were never well paid, think NMW. It is highly unlikely I will be able to go back anytime soon. But I would give my right arm to be back at work.

When I was a single parent I used to dream of being able to be a SAHP as mums at school were. Now that choice was made for me I realise it's not all its cracked up to be. I will strongly advise both my girls to never give up work.

Not sure.

I’m late 30s and work part time and that suits me. I can’t see ever going full time!

I love my job but am happy enough not to work lol. I would maybe reduce hours etc or probably give it up entirely then go travelling with DH and the dogs!! X

I would give up work in a heartbeat. I fantasise about this all the time. I like my job, love my colleagues, but I just don’t care. I would LOVE to not have to work. I’d write, paint, read, travel, explore, see friends, family. So much of our time is eaten up by work.

@MrsR87

I would. I have always loved my job but as I’m now pregnant with my first child, my priorities are changing. As a head of faculty in secondary school, in normal times I work between 60-65 hours a week, including at least one full day at the weekend...sometimes two. In the past I’ve just got on with it and accepted the fact that my payslip says 32.5 hours a week! However, if lockdown has taught me anything it’s that I can work all the hours I want, make personal sacrifices such as not seeing my parents for three-four months at a time as I’m busy marking/writing pupil reports/ writing exam reports or school development plans and it doesn’t matter because there will always be a percentage of the population (feels quite large at the minute) that has an inherent hatred of teachers. I’ve always been proud of the work I do and know I always give my absolute best for the pupils in my care. However, during the past couple of weeks, some of the threads and posts I’ve read on here have really made me question why I’ve made so many personal sacrifices, why I’ve worked so many unpaid hours and ultimately ask is it worth it and will I think it’s worth it when I have my own child to look after?

This is a HUGE part of the reason that I'm leaving teaching in a few weeks. I think everyone assumes teaching is family friendly due to the holidays but I really don't feel that the insane working hours during term time are worth it

I kind of do have the choice in that we could comfortably live on either my or my DH’s income.

But I think you mean complete financial independence. I would quit immediately. I love my job and I’m very good at it, but if I Could wave a magic wand, I would be an artist. So until I win the lottery (and since I never buy tickets it will be a long time) I will keep my profession that actually pays and squeeze creating into evenings and weekends.

Also to clarify would only give up work if I won the lottery - not working wouldn’t be much fun if I was struggling for money!

I loved not working. I suffer from high levels of anxiety, but also wanted my own money and to not have to rely in another human being, so went back. It's ok - the money is ok. But life was so much more fun when I had my.days for myself and didn't have to interact with people.

I'd change my current job but I'd still work.

I would very very happily never work another day in my life, I would love that. I wish I could magic up the financial situation to make that happen.

I gave up two years ago at 47. Loving life now but worked round the clock for many years to pay the bills. Even child minded and house cleaned on top of shift work. Any honestly say I am loving life for.the first time ever! My dogs appreciate it too lol

I would definitely give up work if I could. I'm self employed but I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty lazy and I really doubt I would get bored, I'm good at occupying myself in normal circumstances.

nicky7654 do you just save enough to live off of, or did you come into money. Sorry not trying to be nosey, just interested.

If I had a guaranteed income I’d leave without a second glance

I would, if we could afford it. But that's cos I'm worried about going back to work, with covid around. I work in retail.

In an instant. I'm lazy.

Never thought I'd say this but I would give up work tomorrow if I could.

I've been working in the school hub since lock-down which has been great but the home learning plus trying to look after my elderly parents and my own family has not been great.
l am in my mid fifties and definitely ready to slow down.

It depends, if hypothetically I had no responsibilities and could still afford to travel etc then yessss. As is, no. I was a SAHM for a year following maternity leave and my goodness I missed work. It helps that I have a job I thoroughly enjoy though, if I hated it then it would be a lot easier! Again would have to be able to afford to keep my car etc.