No motivation to work, how to quit in mid 40s?
Posted by Interesting-Echo-986@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 136 comments
I have took a couple of weeks off during Easter period. didn’t go anywhere just home spending time with family. Well the staycation is over and i have absolutely no motivation to go back to work. I am in mid 40s and can’t really retire as no other income other than my job. But i sooo want to quit, how can i survive without working? i cant be this slave for average income.
BiarritzBlue@reddit
Go to India (Rishikesh, Varanasi, Himalayas), go and learn yoga or spiritual pursuits and come back feeling rejuvenated.
Prestigious_Cycle@reddit
The best thing I've found is to have a decent paying job where there is very little actual work or stress where you are working from home or hybrid working. I was ambitious in my 20s and 30s but hard work doesn't get you very far in this life. I've had ups and downs with that but experience has taught me to care less.
Always have the mindset "work smarter rather than harder". I work from home 3x a week and in the office 2x a week. It takes me about 2-3 hours total work to finish my workload for the week. I am not satisfied with my job and feel like I'm wasting time but it's better than working very hard for very little money. I've recently given up alcohol because with a lot of free time and nothing very interesting to do it's tempting to just get drunk as often as you can manage.
I had to hop a few jobs and learn some hard lessons a long the way in an entirely different country (I'm not native to UK). But the work culture here is completely horrible where the harder you work, the harder you are worked for no incentive over the person who does the bare minimum.
TransatlanticMadame@reddit
You need to find a new job, or a new passion that lifts you up and out of this funk you're in.
EyeAware3519@reddit
Once you get to the point in life when you realise making other people money will never be fulfilling where do you go from there? Yes you can start your own business but that's a great way to spend your whole life working while making less money than you were before.
Matter_Still@reddit
So, it’s your jaded opinion that a person, let’s say a percussionist for the Boston Pops who contributes to that orchestra making money can never be fulfilled?
How about a guy whose passion is flight and who is an airline pilot?
The woman who always wanted to be a nurse and who is one at Columbia Presbyterian.
The teacher who loves working with the developmentally disabled?
The man or woman who always wanted to be a lawyer and is one?
None of these people can ever be fulfilled?
B.S.
CptDerpDerp@reddit
Options in rough order of sensibleness: -Stay in current field but move employer -Pivot into new field where transferrable skills allow All of the below are depending on family commitments: -consider work abroad. I did this and it was life changing (and very rewarding), then I came home with much better perspective -Take your savings and take a career break, travel for 6 months to a year -Buy a motorbike -Pack it all in to live extremely frugally in a commune
bored_toronto@reddit
(Alternative) -Purchase a synthesizer (second-hand or new Arturia Minifreak/Korg Minilogue/Roland Aira S1) and start making bleeps and bloops in your shed/spare room. Bonus points for turning it into a YouTube channel.
flagprojector@reddit
Where did you work abroad and for how long? How did it help shift your perspective? Would love to give-it a go one day.
Do_You_Like_Owls@reddit
Start self-medicating to maintain motivation and sanity. Become an addict. Crash and burn.
jennasonne@reddit
Did that. Can't recommed...
Do_You_Like_Owls@reddit
Same, mate. One day at a time as they say. 🫂
Hardie1247@reddit
As a younger person, when people say "take a career break for 6 months to a year" - I assume this means "Quit your job and find a new one when the time is up"? I have saved very well and have a lot of savings built up, and I haven't been anywhere outside the country in over 10 years. I'd love to spend months away but I feel like doing so would mean I lose my job and have to start over.
4_naan_jeremy@reddit
Some employers will let you take an unpaid career break and return to your role (or an equivalent one) if you've been there for a decent amount of time.
Hardie1247@reddit
Interesting, I don't think I could get away with that sadly as there is no one currently capable of taking over my role.
CptDerpDerp@reddit
Not to invalidate your point, that’s certain one factor, but don’t let it hold you back from experiencing a (potentially) once in a lifetime opportunity.
They’d figure it out if you went on 9 to 12 months of maternity leave, or several months of shared parental leave, or had a serious illness, so they can figure it out now.
Unfortunately my next point applies mostly if you’ve been working somewhere a few years or more, not so much in an entry level or easily replaceable/low skill role, but.. If they’ve spent a bunch of time and money training you up and teaching you their ways, and they get along with you, and they get half decent work out of you, then trust me.. they’ll be really worried about losing you. If a break is what you need but you’re coming back, that’s infinitely less effort than re advertising, hiring, gambling on a new personality, and training them up, which itself will leave to role empty for weeks/months.
As someone who now employs a fair size team - you never know what your employer might be thinking. A temporary gap may give them some much needed slack in payroll, or a chance to rotate someone else and diversify the knowledge and skills in the team, or try out an intern or a temp (what I call a ‘long term job interview’ because you never let go of the ones you like), or a myriad of other ideas. If they’re clever they will look at every request from a point of wondering how it might help them, rather than panicking and trying to shut it down. But we’re all human, you may need to coach them toward that line of thinking. Good luck!
Hardie1247@reddit
I have worked at this place for 3 years, and currently I work on a team of 5, consistently since the start of the year I have been completing the same, or more amount of work than all 4 other colleagues combined, and with less mistakes too. I’m definitely worth keeping on :)
rftcbucks@reddit
Your life is yours live it ! We are very much all replaceable at any time
NoChanceItsHer@reddit
That's an employer problem not employee - if you don't ask you don't get.. or get them to say nope.
Hardie1247@reddit
That’s a very fair point, there’s a number of things this employer could improve on, but they’re the best in the area sadly. I’m hoping to move away in the next year or two, just want even more of a safety net before I commit to anything
Thats-right999@reddit
100% OP. The right job with the right remuneration changes the game.
Melodicmat@reddit
i've been wanting to quit work since i was about 20 lol
Short of a lottery win, we all have too accept that life sucks and is mostly doing stuff you don't want to do at a place you don't want to be
Matter_Still@reddit
“Short of a lottery win, we all have too accept that life sucks.”
No, we don’t all have to agree to such a nihilistic belief or that for life to be enjoyable we have to hit the lottery.
Could you be any more cynical?
Confudled_Contractor@reddit
Having taken allot of last year off as a break from working (and spent a reasonable amount of money to cover the costs to do so) I can say you soon get bored of not doing much.
I left a contract position at the end of November and had a set plan of taking 6 months off in the new year as a sort of mental health break. Worked on my fitness and the house, and helping the kids with their GCSE/Alevel stuff which was fun for the most part, and achieved a load of stuff. Being able to take my son to all his sports events was great.
All good. But by the end of summer I Started to look for work towards the end of it but I found that I was a bit lackadaisical and picky about jobs about and kept putting stuff off and thinking I’d sort it next week. So 6 months turned into 8!
I found I was in a routine as well; throughout the week I was hitting certain milestones on the same smart every week. Not just chores but what should be fun stuff like going to the cafe for a meal. I was hitting the local Cafe and having the same meal every week.
It was just like About a Boy (good film but really hit true) but without the money.
I mean money wouldn’t allow me to do this forever but my mortgage was low enough that a few extra months wasn’t the end of the world.
Mates asked how the work front was all the time as if my plan wasn’t a thing. That was weird. People just don’t seem to believe you can choose not to take a break no matter what you say. When I finally did decide to go back they were all slapping me on the back as if it was a problem to get work (it really wasn’t but again people cant seem to understand it).
You also get comfortable with being a bit lonely. You miss being around people all day, which is fine to be fine with, but then you find yourself oversharing with the waitress in the cafe or some other random soul. You become a pensioner really.
Ultimately I took a job after 9 months after realising I had gone past the mental health break I wanted and was probably causing myself a bit of harm.
I realised I didn’t so much need a break from work as the job I was doing and/or the people I was doing it with.
I’m now back in a busy office, back in the City, on a challenging project and I’m really enjoying it.
85percents@reddit
Enjoyed reading that. I'm in a similar boat, just nearly a month off now. Have been reading and gaming a lot, but boredom is already present. Volunteered picking rubbish at the park and told half my life story to a person I know only the name off.
bored_toronto@reddit
I used to work a remote content job during the pandemic that was part-time and I loved going to a local bar every other Friday and chatting to the staff.
NoChanceItsHer@reddit
I could have written that post dude.
Did the same, fucked work off after last summer and just haven't gone back. Yeah sure I loaded myself up to be able to do that but damn it's great to be able to go "Nahhh, can't be assed with that".
After a while, yeah, the loneliness and lack of talking to the guys at work does set in. The spending from savings for everything is always like urgh.
It's worth it. I haven't gone back to the grindstone. Have done sooo much on my house, spent way more time with my kids at an age my own Dad wasn't around much at all, chilled tf out and hey, built up a few projects that bring in money.
For OP I suggest a chat to a doctor. When I was working before throwing in the towel like most can't, a chat to a doctor when I was there for something else got me signed off for two months. I'd just had a holiday. Had plenty of time accrued if I wanted more holiday. Nothing was "wrong". Just couldn't be fucking bothered with it at all. Too much life shit going on to care about dragging myself in to do some shit at work I really didn't care enough about. The break was great, the employer was great, the NHS was great. It's OK to not be OK as they say. Came back and bossed that shit for 2 more years. Then .. proper quit.
daddywookie@reddit
Having something to do is vital. I’m four months into an unintentional career break (thanks, games industry) and I’ve never been busier. I spend hours every day on learning new skills and my own project, get jobs done around the house, be there for my family and get plenty of rest. I’m dreading the money running out and having to go work on somebody else’s project for a small payslip and a bunch of exhaustion.
urgentassistance@reddit
I know what my passions are no idea how to monetize not sure I want to become dependant on monetisation of things that being me joy. I plan to opt out of corporate at 38yrs old. Thats my 17yr shift in hell done. I would highly recommend the book "quit like a millionaire" Kristy Shen.
Labionda20@reddit
I feel you. At some point this whole hamster wheel thing is just too much. I was sitting on my hotel balcony in Koh Samui last year, looking up at the palm trees and the animals and thinking ‘I don’t actually want to work for anyone’. My plan is to continue in my job as it’s not too stressful, whilst figuring out what my real passion is. Maybe just do a side hustle to start with.
Various_Extreme_8773@reddit
I'm 54 and finishing work due to poor health has near finished me off.
Stay working mate the alternative is far worse.
U may think sat at home is great. It's not pal. It's depression after a few weeks.
It's ok if you have loads of doe but like you have said you haven't. Neither have I.
2 years I have been doing nothing. Just sat in the home bored stiff and in pain.
Abaddononon@reddit
A decent hobby might help with the depression, won't help with the pain though (unless the hobby is drugs). Something thats creative or if you are able, something tbat takes you outside or gives a little exercise
Various_Extreme_8773@reddit
I have progressive arthritis, fibromyalgia and lupus.
It's crazy as 3 years ago I was going to the gym 3-4 nights a week. Great social life. Enjoyed going to work. Once your poorly friends tend to disappear aswell.
I'm not moaning I'm exmilitary so trained to just get on with it. But it's very hard some days.
Now near crippled and in bed 23 hours a day.
BasisOk4268@reddit
Medical cannabis might be useful the other commenter said, it helped my grandad a lot. Might I ask what hobbies you have? Reading etc
Various_Extreme_8773@reddit
Embarrassing as I'm now 54 but I enjoy gaming on my ps5. I also have audible and listen to a lot of books at night.
BasisOk4268@reddit
Nothing embarrassing about gaming good man. My dad introduced me to gaming in 1996 and I’m still playing PS5 30 years later at 32. It’s proven to be good for your hand-eye coordination and reflexes. Do you play any musical instruments? I’d recommend picking up something if you can. Anything string based will help as a form of PT for your arthritis.
Various_Extreme_8773@reddit
No but always fancied playing a guitar.
Maybe I will take a look. Cheers
Various_Extreme_8773@reddit
I tried cannabis on medical but the anxiety was crazy.
Fine_Analyst_4408@reddit
Have you tried medical cannabis? I was bedridden for 2 years before I started and slowly I've managed to regain some mobility and my pain is finally managed. When I was on a high enough amount, I was borderline living a normal life but I've had to cut down to focusing on pain relief for financial reasons unfortunately.
DevilishlyHandsome63@reddit
Get sacked then you'll qualify for benefits I think.
occasionalrant414@reddit
I am going through this exact same thing mate. The thing is I didn't realise it and ended up in hospital woth a mild heart attack. I have a therapist now and my word he has helped.
What works for me may not work for thee though. But happy to expand if you think it will help. Its all very dull though.
Interesting-Echo-986@reddit (OP)
Pls do expand. What has worked for you?
bored_toronto@reddit
I'm beyond the point of quitting at my current job but can't because of the cost of existing. I focus some of my discretionary time on creative and non-creative hobbies. Do a search for "cheap hobbies" on r/askreddit and look up videos of that hobby on YouTube as research.
3speechnotallowed@reddit
This is why I don't have kids, I'm aiming to retire at 50
TheAnxiousPangolin@reddit
The sad reality is OP, it doesn’t look like you can afford it. So, like everyone else who doesn’t feel like working but can’t afford not to, you’ll have to carry on. Perhaps you could look for a new role though? Something fresh and interesting to keep you motivated until you can retire in the future?
Anziewn@reddit
Cannot recommend dropping a day a week enough. I work 34 hours over 4 days and having that one extra day during the week makes so much difference. I find work fine, but it's not my passion, so working 5 days a week causes boredom and feelings of being trapped, which quickly leads to me resenting work and feeling burnt out.
On my one non-working day, I can do whatever I want, with no obligation to anyone. I did go through a long period where I volunteered on my day off, doing something I love, and that helped hugely too - hanging out with like-minded people from all backgrounds, instead of only being able to mix with work colleagues who I don't really share any common ground with.
A lot of workplaces are being more flexible around changing shift patterns, so I'd look into this. Think of it like a firebreak in the week, and frame it from a mental health point of view.
Hardie1247@reddit
How did you go about presenting this to your employer? I currently work 5 days a week, usually 9 hours a day, not to mention I supervise people so have to take calls/texts from team members early in the morning, or very late at night during my own time. I earn only around £200 per month more than if I had none of these responsibilities, I've noticed my mental health deteriorating and stress in general getting worse over the past 6 months due to this, and could easily see an extra day a week off being a godsend to improve things.
My previous employer had absolutely no leniency for anything, whereas my current workplace say they "put employee comfort first", I've yet to see that personally in action, but I am the type to silently just get on with things, which doesn't help myself at all.
Anziewn@reddit
I negotiated this at the start of my employment, having done it elsewhere. I actually used to work a straight 4-day week at 30 hours (ie no long days), but as a compromise to get to as near to full time hours as needed, I agreed to increase to 34 hours over 4 days. I framed it that I needed the one day off per week for my mental health, which I know takes a tumble when I have to do 5 full days.
I would approach your employer and explain the negative effects your current working pattern has on your mental health, how close you are to burn out, and that you would actually be more efficient if you could drop a day. They will have to find a solution for the people you supervise on your non-working day - in fact, my manager also works 4 days a week for health reasons (also condensed hours) and we just...get on with it when she's not in. If anything is so urgent that it can't wait until you're back, then there will be another manager to deal with it, I'm sure. Or you could appoint an unofficial deputy, maybe?
I did have to be flexible with which day off in the week I took, which was part of the negotiation, but I really cannot overstate how much of a positive impact having that one day off really has. I rarely have mental health sick days now, because I have that firebreak in the week. I really hope you manage to get something similar in place. Good luck.
PomPomBumblebee@reddit
My dentist has done this to an extent (I'm his dental nurse). He was struggling to fill his days to the max and frankly was getting stressed, so much so we believe it was the cause of a sudden onset of Bells palsy on his first day on holiday.
He now takes every other Wednesday off and, looking ahead of time, the odd long weekend if the books are free. He absolutely adores his grown up kids and his gold and is much better to work with and talk to now he has the extra time. He also now finishes early on a Friday after I suggested it (something a previous place I worked with did for 6 months that greatly increased morale) so that's a bonus for me too!
As soon as I am in a more financially stable condition or the physical and mental needs require it, I hope to drop to 4 days a week or 3 with being on call. I love my job but I don't like how most in my position are treated by management and dentists historically. I am currently very lucky to work with a decent colleague who requested me as his prime permanent nurse when he was offered a position here. He's not perfect but we get along and work together well the 7 hours a day we are shut in a small room together in close company and it makes all the difference to get through the day.
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bennythefish@reddit
Hey welcome to the world . It sucks
Lienidus1@reddit
Just get out of the UK or Western Europe. Other people enjoy their life far more without grafting all their time away to pay high taxes.
Supergoose5000@reddit
Get a loan, buy a boat and try not to die at sea, like a modern pirate but with baked beans. Someone has to give it ago.
The other alternative is work until you die and pay those bills.
for_music_and_art@reddit
Make £££ selling wasps. Buy them from a supplier for 20p and sell them for £1. That’s 80p clear profit PER WASP.
Supergoose5000@reddit
takes notes DM me for funding dude. This is a billion pound idea
Syzygyy182@reddit
😂😂
Strangely__Brown@reddit
You don't do this unless you've worked incredibly well paid jobs in your 20s & 30s, and ideally has parents who gave a shit and did the same so you have an inheritance as well.
If don't have those then you don't.
Hazz3r@reddit
You needed to have started thinking about retirement 15+ years ago with generous Private Pension contributions and a frugal lifestyle.
dick_tickler_@reddit
Change industry. I used to be an estate agent. Fucking hated it. Was pretty depressed most weekends when i knew i had to go back to that hell pitt.
Took a wage cut and started laboring on a construction site then over the next 1-2 years became qualified in a trade and now earn more on average and enjoy going to work again.
It was a hard yesr or so but no where near as soul destroying as going back to my work.
fancycakelover@reddit
I felt this post in my bones. Right there with you
Appropriate-Diver758@reddit
Depends on your housing situation. If you have paid your mortgage off or can live rent free then it is feasible, otherwise like all of us it is the daily grind for 40+ years.
Especially if you have a family as kids arent cheap.
Orange_Codex@reddit
What are you like for savings / investments / property?
Interesting-Echo-986@reddit (OP)
Not a lot
Orange_Codex@reddit
What about a spouse / dependents?
Interesting-Echo-986@reddit (OP)
I do , we will just survive on my spouse’s income but they also received redundancy notice.
atomic_mermaid@reddit
Are they aware of your genius plan?
Interesting-Echo-986@reddit (OP)
I have mentioned it to them, they didn’t take me seriously
Jaded_Valuable439@reddit
Because you’re clearly not a serious person 😂🤷🏻♀️ i get mental health and stress but you’re actually taking the piss a bit here
deiprep@reddit
OP lives in London too. Yep good luck getting the bills paid when nobody is working. I don’t even know why you’re asking this question tbh
PumpkinJambo@reddit
Yeah, I’m not surprised. If my spouse announced they were quitting work and it was now up to me to be the only provider, I would think they were taking the piss. If they actually did quit their job without any plans to get a new one, I’d be seriously reconsidering the marriage.
StarSpotter74@reddit
Exactly.
Family commitments mean that.
I do get the "in a funk" feeling and I'd also love to just pack in work, but it's not feasible. If my partner did it, it also increases my stress levels and they're maxed out as they are.
There needs to be an alternative - a lovely lottery win or a job you enjoy. Nothing isn't an option
atomic_mermaid@reddit
I wonder why.
Orange_Codex@reddit
Tough situation. With no assets to liquidate and turn into passive income (bonds etc.), you basically have to work. Even countries where you can live a lot cheaper on a digital nomad visa require the ability to support yourself. The clearest options are upskill to another line of work or try turning a side hustle into a business whilst employed.
CuriousPianist4688@reddit
this. Make a financial plan and work towards it. If you’re UK based I can recommend James Shack‘s youtube channel — this has really helped me
gilestowler@reddit
Try and find some remote work. I don't really enjoy my work that much, but I work remotely. I started 2025 in Mexico, then went to Thailand, then to Cambodia, then back to Thailand, then to Sri Lanka, now I'm back in Mexico. Work becomes a lot more bearable if you can go and see a bit of the world while you do it.
lozz79@reddit
It sounds like you want to carry on being paid while not actually working. If you figure that one out please let me know.
Leonichol@reddit
Realistically. If you want to survive without a reliable income. Then you need to have no realistic costs. Are you in a position to do that? So no dependants etc?
If so. Sell everything. Then use the money you made from that to bum around low cost of living countries for a few years while you figure a new income stream.
Failing that. It comes down to some form of welfare, medical, or crime abuse. Which I imagine are all morally dubious. Though perhaps some sick leave for stress or depression is in order if you are really in such a way.
MenthoL809@reddit
Surely tagging something as serious replies only means you have to be asking a serious question? Pretty pathetic stuff I’m sorry to say.
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
Interesting-Echo-986@reddit (OP)
How old are you?
MenthoL809@reddit
As if anybody else doesn’t want the same thing?
You know full well the reality of the situation.
Greg-Normal@reddit
The best thing about tbis post is everyone saying change jobs! If everyone left everywhere that is shit , we would have a decent job market !
But I know it is high risk, I feel for you all - it would be better if we didn't have a constant supply of labour from overseas ready to fill places on the minimum wage!
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
okobooboo@reddit
The story of my life. I will read the comments very carefully.
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
clbbcrg@reddit
The secret ingredient is crime
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
Linkyjinx@reddit
Unfortunately you seen to be right, I live in a hmo and any of the men that come out of jail seem to get better treatment from landlords than the ladies that were never even in jail but got divorced or widowed- men get their blown windows replaced and new furnishings- everything seems to have a price tag as a woman
Fun_Reflection5948@reddit
It’s because the men are more likely to retaliate ie act out eg smashing up furniture, punching holes in doors/walls. Women are seen as more docile and understanding, less likely to kick off
Westsidepipeway@reddit
I moved jobs. I took a salary cut but I am soooo much happier. I also had a very scary 3 month period when I had quit but didn't have another job yet. I honestly had such dread at my old job, but I'm happy again. My whole life has turned around. I now work in an area I am interested in and actually enjoy.
Given the job market I'd definitely look at getting another job before quitting though. I was super scared for a while and the 3 months off was not relaxing in any way.
goatbe@reddit
Gotta find work you enjoy, sometimes I look forward to going to work
XXRelentless999@reddit
r/FireUK
Interesting-Echo-986@reddit (OP)
Joined
AirconGuyUK@reddit
You're about 20 years too late for their tactics.
Ned-Nedley@reddit
Do crime. Get arrested. Bish bash bosh, no more work required.
AirconGuyUK@reddit
You need to do something pretty serious to get into prison nowadays. Most will get handed a suspended sentence and you're back where you are.
Linkyjinx@reddit
Not everyone is suited to jail life, but in theory you get food and roof over head if lucky in right one, that’s sad though that people are forced to be criminals in order to have somewhere to live.
Fantastic-Dingo-5806@reddit
In the UK it's now: do crime, get away with it.
So it's a legitimate career choice now I'd say
PresentRelevant3006@reddit
As someone who had to give up work to care for a disabled adult child with complex care needs--life on state benefits is awful. Contrary to what the media spin, you do not get a lot, it's soul destroying. Even if you quit your job now, and maybe considered going on Universal Credit--you would get no money for many weeks if you quit, then once you start getting the following:
(and thats not taking into account partners income which would knock off a load off your UC) UC will ask you spend 35+ hours a week looking for work, you have to accept any job. If you do not, sanctioned. No money.
What I have done, to save my mental health being at home as a carer, is hobbies (as others have suggested) and learning new skills. This has allowed me to turn my special interests, into a career which I am now able to do, working from home, alongside my caring responsibilities.
I would suggest stick with your job, if possible, drop some hours if you can, get a set shift pattern and spend some time, when not working, learning something you're passionate about, gain some new skills.
Not working sounds all fun and games, the idea of staying at home sounds lovely when you're burned out from work--but trust me when I say, the novelty wears off. Very quickly.
Find something you love to do, and start putting the work in now to turn that into a career pathway. If you find working for others wears you down, consider exploring what skills you can gain, things you can learn to pave a job which has you self employed, being your own boss. I honestly, could never work for anyone again, being self employed--while it has its stresses--is the only thing I can ever see myself doing.
SteamedChalmburgers@reddit
I relate to this more than I can express. I have no family to worry about but my job has become a misery, not at all what I was originally brought on to do 5 years ago, but the money is too good to give up. Unless I give up on everything and decide to live on my savings for a couple of years, then die voluntarily. Honestly it's a very tough choice
kimba-the-tabby-lion@reddit
Kill your parents. I assume they own property.
Don't be like me. I waited for natural causes, so wasn't free until my 60s.
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
CrumpledStar@reddit
Doing a life sentence would involve OP giving up their job... some monkeys paw shit!
Jaded_Valuable439@reddit
I’m not sure if this question is genuine or not? I’m going to answer as though it is….
I don’t know what your financial situation is like, but I assume if you have been working then you need to work to afford housing/bills/life, otherwise why the fuck do any of us do it? If we could just fuck it off and have a constant holiday we all would.
Having said that, I’ve experienced what you have. That anxiety and hatred of having to go back to work. I’ve just got a new job (haven’t started yet but excited to start) and the change in my mental health has been AMAZING. I just wasn’t happy where I was so I moved on.
So, find another job or find a passion. I’ve been doing some volunteer work recently that involves cooking (one of my big passions) and just having something else to focus on outside of ‘the grind’ has helped.
I’ve come to realise that I’ll never be in a position to not work so I just have to find other things to give a shit about 🤷🏻♀️
PhobosTheBrave@reddit
Throw as much as you can into your pension, especially in jobs where the employer matches a large amount.
Live as frugally as you can while still being content.
Look for jobs with good WLB, but that you also find enjoyable enough. As nice as it sounds a job where you can slack off 75% of the time just turns into tortuous clock watching, find something you don’t mind working at but can switch off from.
Find meaning in hobbies outside of work. Do sports, exercise, collect things, garden. Whatever floats your boat. Tie this hobby to short/medium/long term goals, this gives you motivation and importantly rewards progress.
You might only have 20ish years of good health left, less that 50% of what you’ve had so far, don’t waste them.
DrH1983@reddit
I have no answer but feel much the same. Back to work on Monday and really can't be fucked.
There really isn't anything I want to do. I used to want a creative job and worked as an animator and illustrator, and I actually enjoyed it when I was working, but I hated the networking and sourcing jobs so didn't earn enough to survive.
Fell into my current role without really planning, and it pays okay (still below national average, especially for someone in their 40s) and it pays consistently but I hate the corporate world.
Unfortunately creative jobs that actually pay consistently are very rare so I'm stuck doing this shit. And it's really quite depressing.
impossiblejane@reddit
Same. I also had Easter holidays off, and pottered around at home. Loved it. I'm 47 and hate work. But also don't have a rich partner or friend willing to finance freedom from paid work for me.
itsonlymelee@reddit
Work out what you want from life Work out how much that costs Work out how to earn that In that order.
Ok-You4214@reddit
I did this - and it won’t make you happy. I’m reading 3-4 books a week, work out daily, never need to worry about rent and have sex a few times a week without fail.
Prison sucks.
Bobadoo99@reddit
👏👏👏
TheRimReaper99@reddit
Grey_Bomberman@reddit
🤝🤣🤣🤣
JustAnotherFEDev@reddit
😂
AcanthisittaFit1066@reddit
You have to do something with yourself all day.
Family won't always have time to spend with you unless you are their full-time carer and there is a certain identity that comes with employment which people often end up replicating with voluntary positions like school governorship or charity roles once they have left work.
Bottom line is that if you need a change, the most obvious next step is to find a new job or start your own business. Just opting out of everything isn't healthy, you need some structure to your day and things to give your life a purpose.
bippity12@reddit
/r/FIREUK
Dissidant@reddit
Retrain into something you can at least tollerate doing for another couple decades
skelly890@reddit
Get a different job?
Or...
Do more work while living extremely frugally, save the extra money and plan for the day you stop.
Plan should involve mortgage paid off, land to grow some food, and generating your own power. You still need some money, so you'd better use the more work money to buy tools (you'll be doing all your own maintenance and decorating), then work part time for yourself doing basic maintenance etc for other people. to bring in some cash.
If you mean no work as in not doing anything you're out of luck
Krismusic1@reddit
Do you and your family like eating?
postmanpat84@reddit
Lottery win or marry into rich.
slimeycat2@reddit
Is your work remote role? Sounds like you enjoy spending time at home with family. Fully remote role might be good balance.
AsparagusDramatic475@reddit
Suck it up. We're all in this. We are lucky to be born where we were born and to live the lifestyle we have. Society is a team game. Give up if you want but take the lifestyle hits required.
LetsAdultTogether@reddit
Play the lottery..im hoping for it to be my ticket to freedoom
D0wnb0at@reddit
Sounds like you need a new goal in life outside of work, which will motivate you to want to work to get paid to do that thing. Could be a hobby, marry, children. Personally I’d go with the hobby.
Could change your job but if you are unmotivated, not sure it’s gonna make a big difference.
Severe_Mastodon8072@reddit
If there’s room to, then simplify your life.
Eat mostly plant based. Learn to cook so well you’re not fussed about convenience foods. Walk, cycle and take public transport rather than running a car. Develop hobbies and interests that don’t rely on spending lots of money. Etc.
Appreciate that many people are already living the most basic version of their life possible out of necessity. If that is you then please ignore this! But it’s one avenue to explore if there is room to.
Another option if you are partnered would be to discuss adjusting the split of paid work / household work you both do. Again, totally appreciate that many households need two people working full time just to get by- but if you’re lucky enough not to then that’s a second avenue.
DL3432@reddit
Going back to work after holidays is grim. Don't take holidays.
Frugal500@reddit
work less or rearrange shifts. i do 35 hours over 4 days 3 day weekends are life changing and they turn to 4 day weekends with a bit of annual leave / the odd bank holiday
Linkyjinx@reddit
It’s a hard call as it’s not just about motivation in the end, it’s the feeling of being funnelled like cattle 🐄 into a mainstream idea of what is “right” we can’t all do the heard thing, but that is human too.
Many human societies seem to mimic bees or ants, if you look at their life cycles it’s quite spooky how a tiny critters can have many of the features we have - I don’t and never have found a place in society yet, but I haven’t abandoned it. We have safety nets in UK better than the States by sound of it, they are still in the 1940s regarding healthcare as didn’t go down NHS route like rest of empire did after WW2
MisstianoPenaldo@reddit
Make a change, do something different, age is irrelevant you need to feel good about what you do
Nomis1982@reddit
The reality is you can't not work, if you want your future self to have any sort of half decent retirement. Also how will you afford to live until you reach state pension age? And can you live off state pension?
simply_smigs@reddit
Stole.this from a motouk post earlier.... the answer is clear, keep job buy motorbike
Happy_Chief@reddit
Ive been off sick for 11 weeks following surgery.
I go back in Monday (phased return). No part of me wants to either.
I'm looking for a new job, that feels like the only way to get my motivation back, and I'll bet it'd help you too.
Hancri84@reddit
Have a think about what you enjoy in life. And try to make a living out of that.
I used to buy and sell online and to be honest I could have easily done it as full time job.
Buying from charity shops and carboots and selling on ebay.
I also have a friend who likes his golf (I dont) but he buys and sells golf clubs and he makes some good money doing so bit he knows what hes looking for because he enjoys the sport.
You could do the same.
Jessygou@reddit
feels like you’ve had a taste of peace and now work feels extra grim, but yeah you probs need a plan first, maybe downsize or switch to something less draining instead of just quitting cold
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