Honest opinion would you work if you didn't have to?

[LifesTooShortYOLO]

No horrible comments please 🥲
I've had the privilege of being a stay at home mum as my husband is in a well paid job so it has allowed us to do that.
Previous to having my son I worked full time.
My DS is starting school in September and I have been looking at little part time jobs to give me something to do whilst DS is at school. I thought that I'm going to have a lot of spare time on my hands as me and DS do everything together every day so I figured I needed something to focus on and have some sort of routine and structure while he is at school.
I have been offered an interview for 2/3 days of 4 hour shifts during the week days.
What would you do?
Would you work if you DIDN'T have to? Honestly? And what would be your reasons for or for not?
Thank you for any help and advice ☺️

I've recently worked out that given "lots" of money I'd own a sports facility for my sport and do a bit of coaching (and a lot of development stuff/competition organisation). I'd probably not quite break even eventually (small niche sport).

I don't need to work but we can't afford me to pay to go to work (and there would be lifestyle implications for the kids unless I worked part time or could afford a nanny) so that's very much a pipe dream (although we do have a lot in premium bonds as our house purchase following relocation is taking forever so a big win might just happen - which provoked the speculation on what I'd do.)

I'm currently torn as I want to do something other than be just a mum and work would be the cheapest way to do that!

I would because I get bored otherwise, I'd work even if I won the lottery because even though I have an active social life I need to use my brain.
I'm planning on working to at least 70 and then may consider a business.
My grandmother ran a successful business at home all the way through her retirement.

Agree with restartanshoes. My OH cheated on me even tho I had the blinkers on and thought no it wouldn't happen to me but it really did. I'm so thankful that I chose to work, we had separate bank accounts, both in the mortgage etc as I'm now in a position to move on. So I wouldn't rely on anyone else for money.

Yes. I was miserable by the end of maternity leave (DH couldn’t share for various reasons). DH and I also work better as a team when everything is evenly split.

Then there’s all the logical reasons around not relying on anyone else’s money and the example I’m giving my DSs. I’ve never quite forgotten DS1 coming home from Reception and saying ‘well, it’s really Daddy’s house because he pays for it!’ And the great joy of being able to point out firmly but gently that I outearn DH.

BUT I earn enough to make it worthwhile and to be able to pay to outsource eg cleaning.

No I wouldn’t but I wouldn’t want to be financially dependent on someone either. So in your situation I would work. But that’s me, you do you. If you’re happy with not working, don’t.

Yes, absolutely. Working is important to me because it gives be a sense of purpose as well as financial independence. I've also made a lot of good friends through work and I enjoy the social interaction. My mum was miserable as a SAHP and really regrets it now, so I have never aspired to that.

If I won the lottery and could be completely financially independent without working, I might consider giving up paid work and volunteering instead, but I would still want to retain the sense of purpose outside my home/family and the structure that work provides.

I don't have to work but I do now my dc are school age although only part time. I have volunteered before but I like to feel part of a team and earn my own money. I was a SAHM when my dc were babies and pre school age though. I think what's important is that you are happy whatever you choose to do.

The work pattern you describe sounds like you can do drop off and pick up? Ideal. There will be holiday club and annual leave for the holidays anyway. Honestly it sounds a perfect transition in terms of hours back into the workplace. And you will still have time to yourself on the non working days. Go for it! What's holding you back? There must be something for you to have posted on here?

No and I don't have kids.

I would work part time in a job that didn't add any stress to my life! I hated being a SAHM and actually got a job working one morning a week after about 6 months. I now work school hours but if we could afford it I would only work 2/3 days (school hours) a week.

Eighty percent of mothers work now op. And it’s increasing every year. Statistically I am sure you can guess a very large percentage of them dont need to.

Everyone needs to do what suits them, but for most women now a days, as witnessed by this thread, staying home and being paid for isnt many women’s cup of tea, we like to be financially independent, independently secure and have our own money..

It also sets good examples ro our kids to see both parents do child care and house hold chores equally.

However on saying that if you prefer a different model at home that’s also ok, but do consider how you’d live if your husband ran off with someone else, or something happened to him.

I despise our work-obsessed culture but there really isn’t a substitute for financial independence.

I don’t have to work. I’ve been a SAHM since my eldest was born 6 years ago (I have 3 dcs, 6, 4 and 2), but I recently returned to work - evening work so can work around my H, and it’s blissful. It’s a break from the constant “mum mum mum”, it’s a little financial independence, it’s interacting with other adults. I’m happier working.

No if I didn't have to work I wouldn't. But I can see why it's not a good idea to be financially dependent, so it'd only be an option if we won the lottery or something.

Yes. But I like my job and trained a long time to do it. Less than full time is perfect and personally, makes me a better parent. I couldn’t be at home all the time.

Yes, I would categorically work. We could get by without my salary, although I do earn a good bit more than we pay in childcare. But I have no interest in financial dependence, and I would be lonely, bored and understimulated at home.

DH has zero interest in being a SAHP and I don't see why I should be obliged to fake having one when he doesn't.

@Abbreviatethisplease

The work pattern you describe sounds like you can do drop off and pick up? Ideal. There will be holiday club and annual leave for the holidays anyway. Honestly it sounds a perfect transition in terms of hours back into the workplace. And you will still have time to yourself on the non working days. Go for it! What's holding you back? There must be something for you to have posted on here?

Thank you 😊 I'm an over thinker 😂 I am questioning whether I will miss out on valuable time with my DS in the holidays 🤨 But it would only be 4 hours each day over 2 days that I would miss in day a half term week so surely I would be able to do the nice things with my DS in the other days? I guess what I'm thinking is I've spent all day every day (well you know what I mean) with my DS and loved it I don't want to go backwards 19 steps and not have special time with him.

4 hours in a day is hardly anything. He won't be missing out. You can do things like go to the park before/after work and do the longer days out on your days off. And you have nothing to loose...if you don't like it then just quit! Give it and go and see what happens. Good luck!

Heck no! I would maybe become a professional shopper to me, myself and I

Ideally I would do voluntary work.

I did it for a while whilst looking for a job when my youngest started school and loved it. Lovely people of all ages and backgrounds, helping a great cause and without the stresses of a paid job.

Probably not.

I would only not work if both me and DH could afford not to.

In your shoes I'd work but I'd probably do something lower paid that I was passionate about.
I'd absolutely love to work with animals, if I didn't need the money I'd get a minimum wage or even voluntary role at a local sanctuary. But I can't afford to so I'm a trainee accountant instead.

I wouldn’t work in a job I hated, but I don’t technically have to work at the moment but I am because I hate relying on someone else for money. I think it’s a good opportunity to think about the kind of work you’d like to do and explore different things.

Ok so just read your post properly OP. I would follow your interests and maybe do a pottery class or anything else that sparks your joy in your free time or volunteer or if you want a bit of extra money yes a part time job, take advantage of the freedom and choice you have