Considering going part-time, no kids & live alone. Is it a crazy idea?

[CosmicTea]

Does anyone work part time with no kids and no partner?

Its something I'm considering but I'm worried that I only have myself to fall back on, which makes me a bit risk averse when it comes to the idea of dropping work.

At the same time, I am wondering why I am wasting my life working full time, when I only have myself to look after. I currently have no money worries, a decent amount of disposable income, but I don't want to put myself in a vulnerable position. Pension is currently on track, I have a £120k mortgage to pay off, but no other really big costs. I run a very cheap car and intentionally bought a flat that is low maintenance, lowest council tax band, low energy bills so that I wouldn't have money worries.

I am an artist at heart, and would love to spend more time writing and drawing and painting - fulfilling my potential in those areas. In some ways it's the reason I decided not to have kids, so I can concentrate on my passions, and instead I'm working full time with not much time to do what I actually love.

Maybe the short days and rainy weather is getting me down, especially when I am spending all my daylight hours working a job that's fine but not exactly my vocation.

I knew someone in her late twenties who lived alone and no dc. She did a four day week and I was so jealous that I wasn't in that position to do the same in my twenties! If you can do it then why not? Enjoy more of a work life balance.

Id want to pay my mortgage off first.

Do it.

I live alone with no dependants, and I would do it in a heartbeat if I could. I'm lucky anyway as I working from home every afternoon, which kinda means ..... I go home and watch TV. So I guess I am working part time on full time money 🤔

I have savings, but my pension is woeful. My main bill is my rent, which is extortion.

Don't. Just ask for what you'd like without giving a reason, it's not necessary.

Go for it!

I started working part time after a series of health issues a few years ago.

It gives me time to look after myself with exercise and I spend the rest of my time painting and renovating my house.

I am single as well and child free.

Frankly time and freedom are so important. My health issues reminded me how short and fragile life can be and I am not willing to spend the majority of it making an employer richer...

I make sure that I am careful with budgeting and live a simple lifestyle and I am so.much happier.

Working part time (probably 4 days a week) is my goal. I’m mid 40s. Go for it.

Yes I think that's a good idea. Never heard arranging it like that before (2 days off every 4 weeks).

It's great to hear that it's working out for you, thank you.

I know, part of me wonders whether I should just hunker down and throw everything I can at my mortgage, but the soonest I could get it paid off is 10 years and then I'll be in my fifties.

I didn't know that. I thought I'd probably have to give a reason.

I am in the same position, go for it!

Def do it if you can make the money work.

I dropped to 30 hours a week (from 35, but with considerable unpaid overtime) earlier this year and it’s the best career move I’ve made. Having more time to do things for me means I’m more focused and happier at work (it’s also a great way of only working the hours I’m paid for).

I have a career, no children, went part-time over 10 years ago. I didn't have to give reasons and the last thing anyone would describe me as is flakey. What a sad mindset that work, children, or caring are the only things you can do in life without being considered flakey.

Go for it if you can afford it! There are people on high salaries who drop down to part time hours to keep money out of the grubby hands of the tax man. Cant say I blame them. All the GPs in my surgery are part time.

I have a relative who dropped down to 3 days (employed) and now does a creative hobby which she sells cash in hand to make up the difference.

Grubby hands of the taxman!?! How do you think GPs get paid in the first place?

Same here! I started a new job 2 years ago and tried full time, it is just not for me.

I did 0.9 over 4 days for a while which was also excellent - 08:00-17:00 4 days a week. Worked perfectly for me.

With tax and NI you might not even notice the difference that much? Maybe one to negotiate gradually in lieu of pay increments I.e reduce hours instead of reviewing pay rises

My only concern would be your pension, as you will need more to support yourself in retirement than a couple will each need.

But if you can afford it, why not?

How about asking if you can reduce your hours for a year in the first instance, see how it feels and how it pans out with your painting etc. you can always sell things on Etsy or seek some private sales and see if you can make money that way, if that’s your intention

how much do u have In your pension
The recommendation for someone who will retire in 25 years time is to have 900k in a pension to have a moderate lifestyle in retirement

I work very part time hours, no kids, I really love my spare time. Days just fly and I can do as I please!

I’d stay go for it as you never know what the Future holds so enjoy life whilst you can. Obviously work out your finances but I think people tend to live to their means. I too work part-time, 24 hours over 3 days. I’d never want to go back to full-time as have a much better work/life balance now.

Make hay while the sun shines…
The definition of hay is up to you though. Is your hay getting your debts cleared and your nest feathered? Or is it having more free time now?
I am risk averse and more afraid of living longer without financial security, I’d be wanting that mortgage paid off before I went part time.
that’s because I’m a nervous Nelly though!