Would you rather have no money and freedom or money and a job?

minimalist_baker

I am in a position after 10 years of saving that we paid our mortgage off, it was very hard work and we were skint during this period and I was very unhappy at work but we got there and I was able to leave my job. Having no extra money has been difficult, we have literally been living on £700 a month.

I have spent the past year trying to build a business, but have failed to generate any additional income. But we have been treading water via a modest income from a side project that has covered the bills.

So as I look at whether I go back to a job again to lift the stress of having money but the prospect of losing the freedom to go/do when I want...

Would you rather have no money and freedom OR money and a job that you are unhappy in?

username901

Well you've done the best part and paid your mortgage off, so one major worry out the way.

What about a part time job to allow you develop your business in your time? It might take 2 or 3 years to make it viable, depends how determined you are.

comeandgo

I would, in fact have, chosen money over freedom but do you really have freedom if you have no money to do what you want to do and are in fact struggling on a very low income? The stress of that worry must be wearing.
I am retiring soon and will have financial freedom due to decent pension and savings which does make my employment years seem worthwhile.

suki1964

Part time work

Both me and Mr S now only work PT, he 3 days a week as a skilled tradesman, me 3.5 days a week on NMW. Both loving our work and places of work, earning enough to pay the bills, have a life and put a bit away and having most of the week to enjoy what we have

warby68

You don't have freedom if you're struggling to pay the bills.

It would be middle ground all the way for me - either part time or flexible working and possibly some sacrifice of earnings versus job satisfaction, gradually building the freedom element over time.

Now you've cleared the mortgage, you have plenty of choices which don't have to be the black and white options of working 100% in a hated job or not working at all.

nicechap

minimalist_baker wrote: »

I am in a position after 10 years of saving that we paid our mortgage off, it was very hard work and we were skint during this period and I was very unhappy at work but we got there and I was able to leave my job. Having no extra money has been difficult, we have literally been living on £700 a month.

I have spent the past year trying to build a business, but have failed to generate any additional income. But we have been treading water via a modest income from a side project that has covered the bills.

So as I look at whether I go back to a job again to lift the stress of having money but the prospect of losing the freedom to go/do when I want...

Would you rather have no money and freedom OR money and a job that you are unhappy in?

A faux dilemma.

Someone has to pay for your use of NHS, police, etc. You have to pay council tax on your mortgage free property. Side project providing extra income?

No freedom to treat yourself or loved ones, no theatre trips or holidays.

Most people find work tolerable in exchange for the benefits, some people love their work/ colleagues. Society wouldn’t function without people contributing.

haras_nosirrah

Freedom is where you don't have to work but do so anyway. If you can't pay the bills or enjoy yourself due to money you aren't free.

My suggestion would be to work part time as a best of both worlds. You can then have some time to try and get the business off the ground without worrying about paying the bills

Kayalana99

Totally agree what is the point of being sat at home all the time doing nothing? Because without money you can't go out and do things.

I'd rather work 60 hours a week and get a weekend free that I could enjoy with the money I have made, then not work and be sat around watching TV and not able to do anything.

Saying that, some people like doing nothing...so it's each to their own.

JohnDorian

I don't see working as a lack of freedom. Regardless of my financial situation, my preference would be to work for as long as I can.

gettingtheresometime

Also consider the benefits of social interaction ....even if 9/10s of the time colleagues wind you up

motorguy

I'm happy to work.

I believe i add value, i make a difference, i have a good work / life balance and i get well paid.

I'd rather that than eke out a living with no money, even if i dont have "freedom" per se.

Freedom isnt worth the paper the word is written on if you've no money to do anything in all this free time.