I just love reading rich people fantasising about poverty.
"Oooh yes! I'd love more time to pursue my interests! I could live on that, no problem!"
You'd be bored out of your brain, miserable as a cat at Crufts and ready to jump back into the "rat race" (what is that? I'm not in a race - just trying to pay my bills and have a reasonably decent life) within months.
And those of you who did it for six months as a sabbatical: try doing it for two years, five years, twenty years, forty years and tell us it was good for you. If you're not sure what it's like, I can put you in touch with some ex-miners in Cannock who can enlighten you.
"Dreams: they are never where you expect them to be."
I really don't get this. If one has money, why can't people cope without working? what is it one gets from work ... companionship with colleagues and something to do. Well, pick a hobby and do that. Write computer programs, make videos, paint, write, read, build something, whatever. Company? Meet people for lunch, find other jobless people to hang out with, stay in a youth hostel somewhere and talk to people.
If I was loaded, would I work just for fun? No. Could I not work for 40 years? Yes. "Work" here means having to do something to get paid. I would "work" but just do what I wanted to do, not having to worry about being paid. I really don't get it. Why is that difficult? I'd probably travel around the world, no doubt Asia, just chilling and meeting people. I've done it before in Thailand and I only came back when the money ran out.
You do have a point DB.
What I've been doing this past year or so has been very nice because I planned for it, but once the money runs out I would be bored out of my tree and have nothing constructive to do each day.
I did get used to the freedom and lack of alarm clock in the morning but, apart from the fact that when I get back I know my job will frustrate me no end, I am sort of looking forward to a routine again and some sort of normal life. This has all been very nice but it's no way 'normal'.
With a few months in Basel to begin my 'sabbatical' last year, then a couple of months in France house sitting, Scotland over the winter, London for several weeks (house sitting again) with the odd week or so here and there travelling somewhere interesting, now back in Basel for 6 weeks, it has been an interesting and varied year, I have been very fortunate - and I thank God for a laptop!
But you are right DB, without all of that I would be climbing walls. Especially without sufficient funds. And all my mates are back in Oz!
I still say do it if you can, but sure, maybe not forever, and perhaps, as other posts have said, a less stressful part-time job is maybe the way to go, if economic circumstances allow.
Good luck to all who give it a shot, and enjoy! Real life will always be there waiting.
Yes, but 3500 gross in Switzerland is not being loaded and most fun things I personally would do if I had more time, need money.
Self worth, a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning.
If I was obliged to spend my life pissing about on self-absorbed "creative" projects, I think I'd probably kill myself. Especially on an unearned salary of 3500 a month.
What's the point of living, if not to work, to earn money, to contribute to society in some way?
I think a break for a limited period is quite different from a break which might go on 'for ever'. If I had taken a year off, I would have had the same sort of 'go on the trip now - you won't be able to do it next year' which most of us need to keep us going. The thought that I shall never, ever work again is quite different. Hence EF Modding. Even groans and aggressive PMs beat being 'retired' for the rest of my life.
No, I don't agree. Many very hard working people support much more than just themselves. Their brains, creativity and high efficiency sometimes even create new jobs.
They're so used to real responsibility, maintaining a balance, carrying everything, using their grey matter not only for their jobs but also for other purposes such as the people around them, that when they reach retirement they've forgotten to consider themselves.
It's a choice and a modus vivendi.
I don't believe that the fact that they've dedicated themselves to their jobs and are frightened by the prospect of using their brains for other matters, is what hinders them.
It's the fact that they are used to being very needed and counted upon and suddenly there's nothing, there's no more need, they are no longer in demand.
It just seems that way though.... even if in reality, they remain as precious as they always have been.
Many retired men, don't realize this.
My old boy, an 84-year-old scientist, is still frequently consulted professionally, in his particular science, and is flattered that his opinion is still considered to be valuable.
Physically he may be steadily crumbling, but intellectually he is still incredible with the most impressive memory.
I'm sure his input into the scientific community is equal to the mental stimulation and satisfaction he derives from it.
Ah, so DB's post required that we spend 40 years on 3500 a month locked in Switzerland? I thought we'd moved on from that assumption. Well, I had :-) Anyway, if that is the case, DB is right. It's much better to be in work!
If you like the back stabbing & complaining mentality then work may be 'fun' it's actually why I never bothered to lean the launguage!
Then you're in the wrong profession.
People only do that when they are not satisfied, or fulfilled.
But if you like what you do, then work really is fun.
I love my job. I'd be deeply upset without it. Perhaps some people are not happy with theirs, but you'll pay no heed if you enjoy your profession.
I'd be really disconcerted if I had to depend only on my husband for my welfare (even after many years of marriage). I need to feel that I'm independent and my own person. I wouldn't enjoy being idle.
If I stopped working, I'd perhaps create a small business.
Taking a 'short' break from the rat race to re-assess the situation and do something you've always dreamed to do, can be fantastic (but could be quite selfish if you have a partner and family to support who'd have to take the same sacrifices financially, without having the choice?).
Retirement is a whole different kettle of fish surely? I find it so desperately sad that many people crumble out of boredom or lack of kudos when they stop work. My OH has had a fantastic and fulfilling career- and I did worry he might miss it terribly - but no, not a bit. He's revived his phtography interest, digitalised all his slides, gone back to his tapes and reels and vinyls, is learning to play an instrument and improving his French, and trying to get to grips with German and Italian. He still keeps a keen interest on his former profession, via the Internet and specialist publications, as well as colleagues old and new. Same for me in a different way. Could never understand boredom I must say- not when I was 15 and not now. Most of the things we really enjoy do not cost any money, or little, thank goodness. A fabulous walk in the woods, a swim in the Lake, a kayak trip on the river, watching our amazing wildlife- silch, nada. Hurray.
What are the constraints? Would this be "sure money" forever? Having to pay a rent alone will eat up a good chunk of the 3500. Also, if you have kids - not good. No other money in the bank so you could start your project and/or manage your investments? Not good. Aside from that, would be wonderful to have time to do my own things that could be more profitable than having to work full time for others (many contractors in my company btw).
Big difference between poverty and short-term 'chosen' poverty. The money mentioned would be plenty if the OP moved to a cheaper part of CH, in a shared flat. Up here he could get a small apart for 400 or less for instance. Just depends on what he wants to do, and if he is prepared to cut his cloth to size.
You don't need work for number 2. There are plenty of ways to challenge yourself without work. Learn a new language, musical instrument, get really deep inside a topic that interests you.
My brother, a Canadian vet, always says he loves his job so much that he'd still go on doing it if they stopped paying him.
I suppose that's the difference when you're lucky enough to work at something you love doing, as opposed to boring and unfulfilling jobs where you're working just to earn a crust.
Nope.
First, I like to have a bit more money. I realize it is not a fundamental requirement for well being, but heck, we are talking about dreams right?
Second, I quite like the working environment. I am lucky, and I have a job I most of the time enjoy doing, that gets me in touch with a lot of wonderful people; some years are better than other, and some positions I held were more fulfilling; but I am not ready to check out.
I am aiming at working perhaps another 5 years, then I would like to switch to a half-time - doing conference work and spot, and for the rest travelling; but that is my own personal dream.
As for the rat race, how do you make them go in a straight line? It sounds like fun.
more fun if it is not a straight line!
obviously, if work is your only/main source of challenge or intellectual stimulation, then quitting your job is maybe not for you.
but for those who do have enough interesting things to do outside of work, would it be worth it for you to give up most of your wage to do this?