To ask WHY you work

[BeatriceAlbert]

Got in a discussion about retirement/early retirement and why people actually go to work in the first place. I know it seems obvious to answer ‘for money’ but this was off the back of the parody about a fisherman.

A businessman on holiday spots a fisherman lounging by his small boat after catching a few fish for the day.

Businessman:
“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?”

Fisherman:
“Why would I?”

Businessman:
“Well, with more fish, you could buy a bigger boat!”

Fisherman:
“And then?”

Businessman:
“With a bigger boat, you could hire a crew, catch even more fish, and eventually own a whole fleet!”

Fisherman:
“And then?”

Businessman:
“Then you could build a company, go public, and become a millionaire!”

Fisherman:
“And then?”

Businessman:
“Then you could retire, relax by the sea, and spend your days fishing!”

Fisherman:
“…Which is what I was already doing before you interrupted.”

Money. I'd retire in a heartbeat if I could afford to.

Sense of purpose, mental stimulation, great conversation and laughter with like minded people.
So much more to work than money imo.

For money, but I really love my job and even if I won the lottery I would carry on working.

Intresting how many people do it for purpose. Pre kids I was very career oriented. Post kids it’s literally just for the money. If I won the lottery I would not work.

Mainly beause I enjoy being able to eat and pay my bills.

My job also makes a difference and is interesting.

Financial independence, which is another way of saying money I suppose. I like the sense of freedom, real or imagined, that gives me.

Money. As soon as the mortgage is gone I would like to go part time just to earn for holidays/fun money til retirement.

Money comes some way down the list of reasons that I work. Top is probably creative fulfilment. I'm able to develop my ideas into beautiful products that are in millions of people's homes. Second is probably working with a team of smart and interesting people. Third might be the professional doors that my role opens. Then the money.

• to pay the bills
• to use my brain and skills
• to have mental stimulation
• to contribute something to society
• to set my children a good example
• to have a routine
• to help others

Well for a long time I worked because I didn't want to end up in the streets. I needed shelter, clothing, food, security and ideally some fun all of which cost money. I never enjoyed work much, I liked a lot of my colleagues and socialised with them when younger ( booze culture of 80s and 90s) but I disliked all of my jobs

Nowadays I still dislike my job ( my 7th job in 40 years) but have been good at my different roles, with several unsolicoted promotions, despite my lack of any ambition beyond doing the job in front of me.

I am not keen to retire though as I am now "institutionalised" and struggle with routine and productivity without external pressures.

I also live in a tiny house with a grown up DS with autism who has not worked or done anything outside the house since he failed his a levels 2 years ago. I don't want to be home 24/7 with him at home and no space. I doubt he will ever work so I am not sure I will give up work for quite a while , despite the stress of it

I primarily go for money, but I also enjoy the work, it’s given my life identity, meaning, and social status / a good lifestyle I think there’s dignity in putting in a day’s work for a day’s pay (whatever the work is), contributing to society via taxation, and doing something useful with myself.

Hmm good question OP. Obviously money but wider than that because I am a competitive person who likes to achieve but I’m losing that now in my early 40’s, hoping to find a bit of the old spark again because I hate working right now and used to love it!

Money. I’d love to never work. I’ve done SO much of it already. 😴

For money.

I mean I do sort of like my job. But would I carry in doing it if I won £500m. No.

Also the little story is a parable. Not a parody.

Because I enjoy it very very much.

I’m in a very fortunate position and don’t need to work, but I tried being a SAHM for a bit after DC were born and I didn’t care for it at all. Neither of us is domestic, so we have a housekeeper and the SAH version of me just sort of wafted about cafes, soft play and galleries. It got very dull, very quickly.

I’m ’clever’ and I enjoy my very clever job. I get paid quite well for it, but salary is just a way of keeping score, really. It’s not why I work.

Well if people didnt work how could we have everything we have in our lives that we do now?

It keeps me connected to the world in a way I wouldn't otherwise be.
When I was younger it was the social side, which was an absolute blast. WFH suits my life now but I feel sorry for young people not having the social experience.

For the money. That's it. I could find a million things to keep me busy and my mind occupied without a job, so it definitely is not to have a purpose. I could find many purposes, activities to keep my brain occupied and worthwhile things to do without it.

I like being financially independent, earning my own money.
I take pride in job i do and find it rewarding
I enjoy the job and like the people I work with
It gives me much needed routine

Money. I like my job, I like my colleagues, and I think I make a difference at work, but if I won the lottery I’d hand my notice in tomorrow. My job is ok but I can think of a million things I’d rather do, and see, and read, and learn…

I’ve always enjoyed working, I get great feedback from people about how good I am at what I do. That combination is irresistible and I get to work with people who really are exceptionally bright and interesting.

some of the best times in my social life comes with these same people.

I'm past state pension age, I’m hoping to cling on as long as ever I can.

I have started to pick up some volunteer work to keep me interested once I do retire. Compare to work, working with volunteers are pretty slow and unexciting. Work much more sparky and fun. Hoping to stay in harness as long as ever I can, let them prize my staff is badge from my cold dead hands. 😎

I’ve always enjoyed working, I get great feedback from people about how good I am at what I do. That combination is irresistible and I get to work with people who really are exceptionally bright and interesting.

some of the best times in my social life comes with these same people.

I'm past state pension age, I’m hoping to cling on as long as ever I can.

I have started to pick up some volunteer work to keep me interested once I do retire. Compare to work, working with volunteers are pretty slow and unexciting. Work much more sparky and fun. Hoping to stay in harness as long as ever I can, let them prize my staff is badge from my cold dead hands. 😎

I work because I have to. I also like having my own money and my own bank account.

It's very hard to define yourself without money, socially we are programmed to care about material worth - for humans this means you need money for a secure place to live, food and water. Company.

I love my job. It’s mentally stimulating and I feel very connected to it. It’s something I’ve been good at and enjoyed since childhood. I also really like making money.

Money only for me. I'd retire if I could. I don't need work for a purpose in life.