Have you given up work and regretted it?

shopndrop

Not sure if this is the correct place to post or not but feel free to move if in the wrong place.

Have been off work with an infection for the last couple of weeks and am due to go back in on Monday. (The last time I was off ill was years ago). This week, although I have still not been well enough to go to work, I have felt better and have had time to think and am wondering if I really want to go back to work. Hubby would love me to be a stay at home wife (only the 2 of us at home now). He has said he enjoys me being so relaxed this past couple of weeks.

I realise I will have to go back next week but don't know whether or not to give up work completely, which I can afford to do or just ask about reducing my hours. I only work 3 days per week but I just feel so much better in myself without the stresses of office politics. I know when I go back in next week that it will be back to usual and I will be expected to work 9 - 6 as we are so busy. Three members of staff have left (1 retired, 1 person was told there is no funding for her job and 1 left for a better job) and these have not been replaced.

I originally went out to work for the company which I know I would miss but the way things are at the moment, there is no time to chat during the day anyway. It is just constant pressure to meet deadlines. I enjoy working to deadlines and thrive under pressure but this time off has made me start to think what I want from life.

Has anyone given up work and regretted it or is it the best thing you have done?

nearlyrich

I love my job but I don't want to work for ever and I am saving hard to fund my early retirement at 55 if all goes well. Have you condidered doing some voluntary work for the company if that was your main reason for going to work? If you don't need to work and work stresses you out you would probably be better off at least mentally doing something you enjoy more.

libra10

I retired at Christmas and am really enjoying the free time. Before I worked part-time and although work colleagues were great, the work itself seemed to become dull and repetitive.

I thought I may become bored, especially during the winter months, but it hasn't happened yet.

If you can afford it, I would try not working and if you do become bored you could maybe do a course or voluntary work. I did A Levels in my forties and really enjoyed the challenge.

There are always new horizons to explore - whatever you decide, good luck for the future.

rizla01

Isn't it funny how petrified we are of change.

Changes like this should be embraced with a passion and enjoy them whilst you can. Just knowing that other folk out there would just love to be in this position makes you feel good and appreciative of that situation.

Like you, I don't need to work and have been like this for a few years but I do things from time to time that earn me money, which I enjoy but when the weathers bad or if I feel like it, I do nothing.

Why do you need to ask if you deserve this luxury?

One day you will be leaving work for good so 'make hay' Etc....... You'll probably live longer without those stresses.

And good luck.

shopndrop

I think you have put into words exactly what I feel "petrified of change". I think deep down I know I would have no problems filling my time so certainly boredom won't be an issue. I also know I will feel much better without the everyday stresses of the office. Just need to get my head around the "change" before making a final decision.

seven-day-weekend

I gave up work in 2004 at the age of 54, and have not missed it (although we did move to Spain at the same time).

If you found you did miss it, then maybe you could do some voluntsry work, say one day a week.

However I think you'll find that you will wonder how you ever had enough time to go to work!

Spendless

why don't you try your reduced hours first and then see how you are. What are your other circs, does your husband work, do you have family, friends at home during day, a hobby, anything you want to learn? I finished full-time work to look after kids nearly 7 years ago, I have only had a couple of part-time jobs since and mainly have been at home full-time since. The lack of adult conversation I have found the hardest.

shopndrop

Have decided to reduce my hours and see how that goes. I have plenty of hobbies but hubby still works full time, no children at home now. I know I would miss the adult conversation but if I am doing something voluntary as well, that will probably solve that problem.

Astaroth

When my mother gave up work (she refuses to use the R word) she did not fair well after the first couple of months as her hobbies were simply not enough to fill from 8am to 10pm every day. My mother also lives alone so had next to no "adult conversation" which was also an issue.

After about 12 months of this she then decided to do some courses at her local college and is now in the last year of doing her A-levels in photography, computing and archaeology and intends to start a degree in September. The last has been the best for her as there are plenty of field trips involved and the group themselves organise their own field trips too.

Personally I am not convinced I could find enough to do to fill my time... but then if I was to give up employed work I would probably start doing one of my side line projects more seriously.

Nicki

I gave up work a few years ago now (aged 35) following ill health - my own and a child's. I had a demanding career which I enjoyed working with people I liked, but only 3 days a week by the end. I can honestly say I've never missed it! I do voluntary work, using the skills I had when I was working, and some studying too. I have as much, or as little (!) adult company as I want during the day, the studying keeps the brain ticking over, and the voluntary work is good for the self-respect (and also as an answer when asked what I do all day at dinner parties!)