If you never had to work again, how would you spend your days?

[humbugaboo]

I’m wondering if a life of not working is really all it’s cracked up to be? I think with time you can probably end up just binge watching TV shows and napping.

I would volunteer to do a few days a week working for Fair Play for Women/Safe Schools Alliance/Transgender Trend/Sex Matters/assisting on one of the women's rights cases going to court - whoever would have me . Otherwise I'm waiting for retirement to do this (assuming that women's sex based rights will still be under attack then sadly).

@IntermittentParps

I could certainly fill the time but where's the purpose? I'm with you. Freud was a barmpot in many ways, but I do think he was right about meaningful work being a cornerstone of a life. I work too much, I'm very aware of that, and often feel like I'm on a treadmill. But not working at all... I'd drift and get depressed.

I don't think Freud only meant "paid employment" though. I studied this as part of my Occupational Therapy practice and I think by work, he meant "occupation" This is a bigger concept than being employed and embraces any activity that is significant and rewarding to the person doing it. here is a link if you are interested. www.myotspot.com/moho-occupational-therapy/

I took early retirement [a decade early] in June. Well, when they made me redundant and I decided I didn't want to work again. We had saved up for years and can cover our costs so no need to work.

We bought a house in France, with a huge garden and we are out there every day setting up veg beds, planting trees, pruning,

It is fabulous so far. We only have days indoors if it is raining heavily and even then, I like to get out and do something.

Researching family tree, reading books and mumsnet. Might even clean the house once in a while.

I only work three days a week and on the days I don't work I'm mainly running round after my three kids (aged 2, 4 and 6), so I expect it would be more of the same and that doesn't really appeal...

Child free or if my children were grown up, I would exercise a lot, hill walk, bake, volunteer etc etc. I think I could only do it with some volunteer work involved otherwise I imagine it's very boring.

I love my job so I'd join the small team of volunteers we have there.

I’ve reached that stage ,so I’d say spending my time on mumsnet!
And emailing my MP about women’s rights, thanks to the sex and gender board.

Study and self-learn new skills for the sake of it. I’d love to be more handy are repairing stuff, painting, plastering, be able to do my own work on my own house (even though I could pay for it).

Oh and eat out, a lot.

@humbugaboo

I’m wondering if a life of not working is really all it’s cracked up to be? I think with time you can probably end up just binge watching TV shows and napping.

And what is wrong with that if it makes you happy?

I'm in that position, thanks to having paid our mortgage off and DH being in a decently paid job. I choose to work (very) part time, do some volunteering, some pet sitting, organise loads of fun stuff for us to do and plan hols. I do a bit of cleaning, go out for walks with friends, lots of craft things, and grow fruit and vegetables.

@WorraLiberty

I love my job so I'd join the small team of volunteers we have there.

in my experience that rarely works

Reading, writing, gardening, sewing, big walks, studying, time with my children and DP, lather rinse repeat and I’d never get bored – my job is very much “the thing that gets in the way of my life”.

If retirement means looking after grandchildren, meeting friends for coffee or going for pointless walks, I fully intend to work until I drop. None of those things is an adequate substitute for going to work. I like my job, it keeps my mind and body active and I see no point swapping that so I can bake a cake on Tuesdays rather than Sundays.

Study just for the love of the subject, travel, reading, gardening, pottering about the house, see friends, look after kids, maybe volunteer, visit family.

I think I'd miss my job tbh.

Assuming by this point my kids will be grown up and looking after themselves, I'd be doing lots of reading, playing video games, and board games with DH.

Write a book.

I would not miss work AT ALL. Although I'd retrain if money was no object

I would carry on working! Several people on here said they would do a PhD, I would carry on doing similar academic work, I really enjoy it. I get quite bored after a week off work, unless I'm travelling. If I couldn't do that for some reason, I would keep writing books. I am not very good at structuring my life without some type of 'purpose', I don't know if that's a failing but I would struggle with endless time to do anything.

Gym every week day including classes, sometimes coffee afterwards. My Allotment, reading, walking, crafting seeing friends cooking. DH and i listen to audio books together whilst batch cooking and ironing. House is always tidy i'm fitter than ever its great. But you really do need a hobby. it would not occur to me to put the TV on unless it was for cricket or something like that.

My worst nightmare!!

If I was healthy, and had enough money, it would be great! I would study, exercise more, and buy a horse to ride everyday! I don’t think any more housework or DIY would get done though!

in my experience that rarely works

@godmum56, we have 3 volunteers at work who are ex employees. It's a great place to work, so unless that changes before I retire it should be fine.

Thank you, godmum56
No, I agree, 'meaningful' does not exclusively mean 'paid'; but it can. To me it does (again, not necessarily exclusively though).
I find my paid work 'significant and rewarding'. I know I'm lucky to be able to say that and lucky that I love what I do.
Of course there are unpaid things I find 'significant and rewarding' as well.

Like others exercise, walking, travelling, studying, volunteering, reading, gardening, cooking. Wouldn’t be difficult to fill the time!