If you never worked again, would your mental health suffer?

[EmptySpacess]

Currently a SAHM to a young child, and thought about continuing to be when they go to school. But I'm now thinking perhaps it's not all it's cracked up to be. Personally if I have too much free time on my hands, my mind starts doing overtime and I can have lots of negative thoughts. I'm now thinking it's probably best to keep very busy. Is this just me or are many people like this? They say an idle mind is the devils playground. And yes I know you can fill your time doing things but everyone else would be working, so you would be on your own a lot.

Yes, definitely. I need the structure and purpose that work gives me and my mental health would deteriorate without it, it definitely did on maternity leave although that wasn't helped by PND

I would like to be part time though, 30 hours would be perfect

Not at all. There are so many things I want to do and a vast number of new things to explore. One lifetime isn't enough to even scratch the surface of everything the world has to offer.

I'd be absolutely delighted to never work again ( age 52 and DS is 16).
However I don't think I'd have liked it when DS was young - I needed work to give me a bit of focus and be myself.
Also if not working I'd want to be financially self sufficient- counting the days until retirement.

I am the opposite in that I am unable to work due to my mental health issues. I do have hobbies and interests though, along with various groups.

I'm Exactly the same as you OP. Too much time alone or at home and I start feeling like I'm going mad.

I'm fine when I get back to work, by the end of the 6 weeks summer hols I am twitching!

Dh always says I can give up work if I want to: and I would LOVE to! I have fantasies of swanning around, riding my horse, baking, keeping the house looking beautiful and going out for lunches. But after a couple of days of that I would be feeling really down.

Strange isn't it. To want something so much and not be able to live it.

Nope - if I was financially self sufficient I wouldn't care if I never worked again. Which isn't to say I wouldn't do anything!

I do like and enjoy my work, so I rather work, but I would have loved to stay home with mine till they were in school. I had to return after 3 months of maternity leave.
If I win the lottery, I am buying a farm! And that will keep me busy and happy!

Yes - it has. Initially went back to work part time after DC were born. Then quit when they were both diagnosed autistic - neither of them could cope with after school and holiday child care on top of the demands of school. I wouldn't say I regret it, cos it was absolutely the best decision for all of us, and the kids have thrived as a result of shorter days/mum always around in the holidays etc. But my god, I never thought I'd miss working so much. Don't underestimate the loneliness and boredom. I've lost a big part of me, and I don't think I'll get it back. And I certainly couldn't do my old job any more - been out of the loop too long. I'd recommend working part time if possible - it felt like the best of both worlds to me.

I think my MH would improve so much if I didn't work, my job is a huge cause of stress and pressure for me but it pays well (for what the job is) and I'm a single mum who really needs the money. But health issues are really affecting me and working like this is just exhausting. I booked this week off work, worked really late Friday night to try and get everything finished. Then worked really late Sunday night because of issues that suddenly arose. Woke up Monday morning with a migraine which had flattened me for the whole week so far,

I would always have said hell no! But actually I've just gone back to working full time age 50 after doing very part time and piecemeal work for which I was well overqualified since my first now teenager was born. And I feel like a new woman. Or rather, I actually feel more like the person I used to be before I had kids. I honestly didn't realise how much stepping off the career ladder had affected my self-esteem and general attitude to life until now!

Yes. I'd become a hermit and talk to myself even more than I do already

No - it would be like the biggest black cloud ever was lifted from my shoulders - i would be able to truly live instead of wasting my one life earning money to live off and i would never be bored again.

This 100% this.

I would have loads of time and patience left to help my kids and family if I hadn't spent all day at work dealing with arseholes and the useless.

No.
I run my business because of the money and it facilitates my relationship with my children.

The structure of a working day is good for my brain and I enjoy what I do.

Id want double the money, a 4 day week and 3 month holidays a year and id probably be grand.

I get most of my self esteem via doing well at my work, so I am not sure it would do me any good to give up. I also enjoy working.

Being a SAHM is incredibly hard work when it includes chronic sleep deprivation, isolation and stress such as financial stress. Even without those, the non-stop nature of it can be all-consuming and affect mental health. I've met many parents who preferred their paid job because they were able to go to the loo, look out if the window or chat to a colleague, all of which were difficult with small children to look after.
On the other hand, many paid jobs are very exhausting and stressful and most lack the sense of purpose and meaning that having children can bring.
I think it really depends on many factors.
The stigma of not working can be very detrimental to health, as it can lead to social marginalisation and low self esteem.
Personally, I'd prefer not to work (I won't live forever and I want as much time with loved ones as possible), but I prefer the social standing and inclusion that comes with having a profession (I've had periods out of work and the social stigma and abuse were devastating). I know I would be able to fill my time with weird and wonderful things and have always been extremely busy, whether working or not. The freedom to be able to sleep, eat, travel, socialise when I please is essential to my mental health, but then these tend to require some finances too so it's a balancing act!

No, working is stressful & I have loads of interests/hobbies I’d rather be doing. I already volunteer, so would do that more. Work just gets in the way of what I really want to be doing.

I'd hate not to work! I love my job and the satisfaction it provides. I have great colleagues and a real sense of purpose. I also feel like I'm a role model to my son.

Yes, for me it's the worst.

Had 3 months paid gardening leave and hated every minute. I know some would love it, but it makes me aimless and miserable.

Yes, work is one of the only areas of my life where i am very well supported and I don’t feel stressed or overburdened, I cannot do without it.

It's why they always say to really plan your retirement so your life doesn't fall off a cliff when you leave work . Work totally gives a purpose and a sense of identity

Absolutely agree with this

No. I have hobbies that I’d do far more of if I could. Sincerely feel sorry for anyone whose happiness depends on such a rigid structure.

@Minikievs
yes and never going back and letting them realise how much work you do and how much they have taken advantage
I think that’s why Frank Sinatra called it ‘F**k You’ money