Unemployment and part-time work

floss2

Beowulf1954 wrote: »

Some good points there however I'm really beginning to think it's just not worth the hassle. I'm 58 years old and have worked all my life so I don't think I need to take a part-time job to build my confidence up. For the same reason I'm not too worried about my CV. I mean at my age they should either accept me as I am or pass me by as I don't really have much time left to do anything. As for it being better to be earning the money than depending on benefits, I don't really agree. If you are young then yes, but at my age I think why should I be working to put money in the Government's pocket when I have plenty to do about the house.
If I could get a full time job I'd take it tomorrow but I really can't find a compelling reason to work 12 hours a week.

So in the meantime, you are quite happy for all of us who ARE working, whether part time or full time, to chip in a few quid each to allow you to stay at home & do your jobs around the house?

I really wish that I could afford to consider semi-retirement at 58, as you are, but DH & I will still both have to work at 58, in 9 years time and probably for another 10 years after that.

If I were in your shoes, I would seriously consider whether I actually claimed the benefits, as I would not feel comfortable signing on for Jobseekers Allowance when I had no intention of returning to work. I am fairly sure there will be a way to pay for your NI stamp without claiming any monies.

terryw

Discussion of signingn on for a "stamp" is not relevant in the OP's case.
The OP already has the 30 years of N.I. contributions to qualify for the full retirement pension.

I know several older guys like the OP who work part-time and they are certainly happier in themselves than others in this position who don't work at all. It's all to do with having structure in their lives, getting out and meeting people and, in several cases, the odd perks of working.

OP, best of luck whatever you decide to do.

andyscott

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Because it gets you out the house? Benefits are meant to be there for when things are tough, not to create a way of life.

Just because you can get the money doesn't mean you should if you can live of your own means.

The guy is 58 and has worked all his days paying tax for other lay abouts to cliam benefits their whole life so why should he now accept a job where he wont be any better off financially? I could see your point if it was some young person starting off a career who has never paid anything to society.

saker75

andyscott wrote: »

The guy is 58 and has worked all his days paying tax for other lay abouts to cliam benefits their whole life so why should he now accept a job where he wont be any better off financially? I could see your point if it was some young person starting off a career who has never paid anything to society.

Because surely the default should always be to work? Welfare of any sort should only be an option of last resort. That is what it was originally designed to do. The guy is 58 - young by comparison to so many who continue to work.

Dunroamin

Beowulf1954 wrote: »

Some good points there however I'm really beginning to think it's just not worth the hassle. I'm 58 years old and have worked all my life so I don't think I need to take a part-time job to build my confidence up. For the same reason I'm not too worried about my CV. I mean at my age they should either accept me as I am or pass me by as I don't really have much time left to do anything. As for it being better to be earning the money than depending on benefits, I don't really agree. If you are young then yes, but at my age I think why should I be working to put money in the Government's pocket when I have plenty to do about the house.
If I could get a full time job I'd take it tomorrow but I really can't find a compelling reason to work 12 hours a week.

You have at least 8 years of working life left; that's longer than any job I've ever had.:o

When can you take any private/occupational pension?

Beowulf1954

Unfortunately Dunroamin I don't have a private/occupational pension

Takeaway_Addict

andyscott wrote: »

The guy is 58 and has worked all his days paying tax for other lay abouts to cliam benefits their whole life so why should he now accept a job where he wont be any better off financially? I could see your point if it was some young person starting off a career who has never paid anything to society.

58 is not old, alot of people can and do work past 70.

Also, working should be the default position, not living of benefits when there is no need

scooby088

At 58 you have prejudice of age, many employers rather go for younger people and the competition for us younger ones is just as bad. If you read the OP's original post he has been unemployed for 18 months, also that long out of the workplace does go against him/her, and the mindset has already set in of that I am too old to get another job or a generally scared of getting a job attitude.

telboyo

AP007 wrote: »

If the job was £10 an hour that would be £120 compared to £71, no? I'd do it and I have 25 years work exp.

Part time work at £10 an hour? Is that the going rate for a flying pig wrangler?