Giving up my job?

Sceptre

Hi


Would you go out to work if you could manage for a while without having to? Apologies to anyone on the look out for work at the moment .

I've been thinking about having a 'break' from my job (well, any job really) for a long time now, but can't seem to summon up the courage to do it.

I'm in my prime lol, and have always worked except for a three year break when kids came along.

We would manage, although planned home improvements etc would seriously slow up/stop.

My reason - I'm knackered! Like most jobs, mine's hard going. There's so much stuff I want/need to do at home. Is it wrong to consider letting my DH carry on while I give up? He loves his job and is very happy for me to have a break from outside employment. Obviously, we don't know what's around the corner, but this is where we are at right now.

I suppose I'm dithering because I have worked for so long I don't know any different. Do I do it for self esteem/worth? What about pensions, provision for my old age etc. It's all swirling around in my head!

I realise that I'm very lucky to be able to have a choice.

Has anyone been in the same position? Any thoughts or advice would be really welcome.

freebiequennie

Suppose you have to consider what effect a break would have on your career

Do you have children under 12 I think it is as you can request several months unpaid parental leave worth checking policy at work as this could give you a taster of what it's like without having quit the job.

Can you go part time - I work 4 days and makes a difference 3 would be a delight but cannot afford to and if we could husband would like a 4 day wk!!

Do you have any savings as a buffer? Are you happy to live just getting by?

Maybe for 3-6mths try living off just husband salary save yours then if all ok not only do you know you can manage you also have some savings

LEJC

Ive not been in the same situation exactly other than I took maternity leave for the first time 16 years ago with the intention of going back to work and I just never got round to it!


I guess now we dont miss the money and you do adapt to the lesser wage...but the one thing that I did find difficult was maintaining friendships,especially those around the work place...although having said that ive some wonderful friends who ive met doing all the other things ive done over the years.

nearlyrich

I am planning to leave employment in two years time when I am 55 but I suppose I could stop now if I really wanted to. My pension funds and savings should see me through and I want some quality time with my DH and the opportunity to travel whilst we are both relatively fit. If you can afford it go for it, you might find something that suits you better once you take a break.

BigAunty

You need to have 35 years worth of valid NI contributions to qualify for the state pension now. It's possible to pay voluntary contributions (but no further back than 6 years). Get a state pension forecast and confirmation of how many years of state pension qualifying NI that you've paid.

Also, you could consider seeing a IFA pension specialist to understand your future private pension payments and the effect that stopping paying into employer schemes will cause you.

Up to a half of marriages don't make it so you can't rely on having the standard of living you have now and sharing expenses/DH expenses when you are old. You need to find out what your career break could personally cost you further down the line.

This may swing your decision to find easier work or work fewer hours or take a year or two off rather than drift off into decades of non or under employment.

Sceptre

LEJC wrote: »

Ive not been in the same situation exactly other than I took maternity leave for the first time 16 years ago with the intention of going back to work and I just never got round to it!


I guess now we dont miss the money and you do adapt to the lesser wage...but the one thing that I did find difficult was maintaining friendships,especially those around the work place...although having said that ive some wonderful friends who ive met doing all the other things ive done over the years.

I love this

Thank you for your replies - much appreciated.

All valid points. The friendship thing worries me a bit. The just getting by bit worries me a lot! At the moment we would be fine, I guess it's the unknown.

Sod's Law, I'd accumulated the 30 years state pension requirement, and then they moved the goalpost a bit further away. I think I have 34 years now. So close!

I think my biggest fear is that I 'made a difference' in a small way (well, at least I hope so), in my work, and now it would be 'only' home stuff. Will it be enough?

But then, I remember how knackered I am, and think blow it!

mel48rose

Take the time out for you and your family. My dear hubby died suddenly 7 yrs ago leaving me with 3 kids and feeling so so guilty that we had worked 'opposite' shifts for a long time. Would have done anything to have got that precious time back. Just means tightening the purse strings a little but it can be done.
Good luck x

dandelionclock30

If your not eligible for a full state pension, depending on your circumstances you may be able to get pension credit which will top it up to the state pension level. So basically no pensioners are left destitute so I wouldnt worry about that.
If you leave your job and your in your 50s you may find it exceptionally hard to get another job when you actually want one.
What I'd do is ask about the possibility of a sabbatical or some unpaid leave then go back unless you are absolutley sure you could manage without getting another job in the future.

Buzzybee90

Sceptre wrote: »

I love this

Thank you for your replies - much appreciated.

All valid points. The friendship thing worries me a bit. The just getting by bit worries me a lot! At the moment we would be fine, I guess it's the unknown.

Sod's Law, I'd accumulated the 30 years state pension requirement, and then they moved the goalpost a bit further away. I think I have 34 years now. So close!

I think my biggest fear is that I 'made a difference' in a small way (well, at least I hope so), in my work, and now it would be 'only' home stuff. Will it be enough?

But then, I remember how knackered I am, and think blow it!

Do it. You've been working for nigh on 35 years, you deserve it!

Sceptre

mel48rose wrote: »

Take the time out for you and your family. My dear hubby died suddenly 7 yrs ago leaving me with 3 kids and feeling so so guilty that we had worked 'opposite' shifts for a long time. Would have done anything to have got that precious time back. Just means tightening the purse strings a little but it can be done.
Good luck x

Bless you mel xx


You just don't know what's around the corner do you?


I think that that's the nub of it really. Time. We are like little hamsters, going round and round on a wheel.

dandelionclock30

Your a long time dead thats what I think, you have to do whats best for yourself.