Would you work if your basic needs were met?

[crofty1984]

Prompted by a thread in NP&E, but more suited to here.
Lets say you were given some sort of basic income that would cover food, bills, shelter. Nothing mega-fancy but a decent basic standard.
Would you quit your job? Do less of it? Change Career? Change career to what?

I'd either open a little motorbike shop or just get a job in a shop/bar for a bit of pocket money.

[anonymous-user]

I’d do the same job as I like it and it gives me good benefits like healthcare and paid travel and cheap flights and holidays etc.

We already have loads of part time options so I’ll just keep increasing my time off/work ratio until I retire, I expect.

I think most people get some more enjoyment, satisfaction and sense of accomplishment from their job rather than just it paying enough to meet basic needs though?

You spend long enough working, you might as well make sure you’re doing something rewarding that you enjoy.

[hacksaw]

El stovey said:

I think most people get some more enjoyment, satisfaction and sense of accomplishment from their job rather than just it paying enough to meet basic needs though?

No, no and no to the above. I'm always pleased for those who manage to find a job they enjoy but for me, its just simply a means to an end.

I'd need more than just basic needs covered to change what I do though, its nice to have a few nice things in life and the job covers that.

[MitchT]

I wouldn't stop working but I'd quit my current job and develop something I enjoy as a business.

[Macroni18]

Pay is ok'ish with some good benefits at current workplace. I would love to do flexible hours. Want an exotic holiday - work more hours, holiday to Cornwall - less hours.

[Monkeylegend]

I would stay retired.

[dibblecorse]

I actually enjoy what I do so no, I would keep at it

[Countdown]

I'm very greedy and materialistic so "basic needs" wouldn't be enough ergo I would carry on working.

I've worked in Accounting and Finance for all my life and I have to be honest, its the best compromise of cushy and well paid, so I'd probably carry on doing what I'm doing. And WFH means it feels like I'm doing 4 days a week rather than 6.

[98elise]

I would give up work...and the proof is that I retired this month, when I had enough money/investments to live the same life but without working

Edited by 98elise on Saturday 25th July 08:58

[CubanPete]

I'm a r & D mechanical engineer, which I largely enjoy, having said that there can be a lot of tedious admin to deal with at times.

I've got a lot to do on the house, and loads of engineering type project ideas which I would love to do.

Having had a period on furlough (mainly due to covering childcare) I have enjoyed doing home jobs and hobbies, that in principal are very similar to things at work. I have enjoyed doing things for me, and enjoying breakfast at a relaxed pace.

[anonymous-user]

Macroni18 said:

Pay is ok'ish with some good benefits at current workplace. I would love to do flexible hours. Want an exotic holiday Cornwall holiday work more hours, holiday to Cornwall exotic place- less hours.

Fixed that for you from my experience

[Jasandjules]

If I won the Euromillions I would continue to do my job. So no I would not stop..

[Monkeylegend]

98elise said:

Nope...and the proof is that I retired this month, when I had enough money/investments to live the same life but without working

It's a good feeling, enjoy

[anonymous-user]

I'd design and build sensory gardens for kids, disabled and elderly people

[Macroni18]

speedyguy said:

Macroni18 said:

Pay is ok'ish with some good benefits at current workplace. I would love to do flexible hours. Want an exotic holiday Cornwall holiday work more hours, holiday to Cornwall exotic place- less hours.

Fixed that for you from my experience

[tuscan_raider]

fewer

[lwindward]

I retired this year, most people including my Dad says 'you are too young ' for me the reason was because I could, I have far more pleasure, polishing the mhome roof this week ( far easier by hand than with a daft noisy orbital I found out) then ever had during a week at work, so there is the reason. Work gave me a very lucky life, but it was always a means to an end.

[T1547]

I enjoy my job a lot, but would like to do a part time degree alongside (uni one day per week) so voted same job, less hours. After completing that though I’d go back to full time I think (or may be tempted by a four day week!)

[V8 Stang]

Yes, i actually enjoy my job, most of the time

[98elise]

lwindward said:

I retired this year, most people including my Dad says 'you are too young ' for me the reason was because I could, I have far more pleasure, polishing the mhome roof this week ( far easier by hand than with a daft noisy orbital I found out) then ever had during a week at work, so there is the reason. Work gave me a very lucky life, but it was always a means to an end.

Same here, retired a month ago. Work seems like a distant memory. Today I'm visiting my mother and am going to clear her garage of crap that's accumulated over the past 20 years. On the way back I'll stop into the local for a cheeky pint in the sun....bliss.

Better than any day in central London tapping away at a keyboard writing pages of code.