If you married, and didn't have to work, would you?

Question

If your spouse was fully willing and capable to support you such that you didn't have to work, what would you do?

Answer 1

Some people's definition of who they are is wrapped around career, vocation and all of that. I don't think work defines us, but it is an avenue to meet interesting people and contribute to something. If you feel there's a void in your life staying home and you get bored, or if you are alone much of the time because most of your friends work, seek a part-time job but make sure it is rewarding and fun. Or, do charity/volunteer work for a cause that means something special to you. It's very nice to work knowing you don't have to! Let me say one practical thing to you: life is filled with economic uncertainties or can simply surprise you with unexpected challenges you aren't prepared for. With that in mind, whether you work or not, make sure you are proficient in some skill that could be used in the workplace, just in case you are put in a position where your income is required. Just a thought...

Answer 2

Unless you have children, and it has been agreed that you will be a stay at home mom, frankly, I'd be bored stiff... I'd have a job, one that I liked, or I'd go back to school (If I were college material-----)for training in one that I would like better. But sit around all day watching inane television?????, and eating bonbons?????, playing cards with the other girls?????, a golf game????? (what a way to ruin a good walk) ..... uuuhhhh, no, hon, I'd have a job., start my own business, get a university degree, something. In my case, I got to retire at 48, and now refine the hobby I started 20 years ago,,,,, sculpture in bronze. (they sell big time, all are limited editions of original work.) Also tutor math on the side for big buckos, but I don't have to have a check coming in every month..... If I needed one, I could go back to work tomorrow in a well paying job.....

Just as an aside, every women should have a career or at least the degree to have a career, and a stash of cash no one knows about even though she knows she will never need it. Marriage is not often a forever mealticket, and life takes funny twists.... Be prepared....

Answer 3

I've always worked primarily because I wanted to, not because I had to. I'm now in a position where I don't have to work at all, but I still enjoy what I do for a living. I get a lot of satisfaction from working with other people on projects of various kinds, and I find doing that in a paid, professional setting more challenging and rewarding than in volunteer situations. I freelance, so I'm able to take time off to do other things that don't provide a paycheck.

Answer 4

Go to school ,work part time keep yourself in the loop should big Daddy move on and become abusive and you need to be self sufficient. Working volunteering also can give you a feeling of self worth that no spouse can. I loved being a SAHM but when i went to work it was a good feeling. I'm very shy though so i never thought i would do well.

Answer 5

First, purchase a vacuum cleaner, then cook a little spaghetti, then turn around and touch my toes, then, go back to the vacuum cleaner and stare at it, then, touch my toes with my eyes closed, then, eat some spaghetti, then, call watch Bob Barker, of the Price is Right, until he lists my vacuum as an item.. Then, get pissed of if he got the Price wrong, then, take all cereals (Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, etc) out from the boxes to store them in the bags only, then, grab my vacuum again and wonder how to attach an I-pod player to same.. Then wonder how to patent that idea.. Then, eat some more spaghetti, then, tap dance. Then, get a college degree online. Then, regret that I did. Then..... Then... a good psychiatrist...

Answer 6

I would still work, because money is only one of many reasons for having a career. There are many things about me that working helps me maintain like no relationship ever could. Another important thing to remember is that being out of the job market for a long period of time puts you in a tough spot if you ever really do need a job! I didn't want to be "supported", with all the male crap that would have gone along with that!

Answer 7

I personally enjoy working. I like the social interaction and mental stimulation. Even though you don't 'have to work', its extra money for both of you and still contributes to your overall financial standings. If that's not for you...and money is no object...what about volunteering? There's a lot of great charities out there that need your help and it would provide you with daily social interaction.

If I had children, it would be different. I feel most children suffer from not having enough time with a parent. I would prefer to stay home until my children started school. Every situation is different.

Answer 8

I would still work because I tried the stay at home wife thing and it did not work for me at all. I would always finish what I had to do and then be bored out of my mind. My spouse has the means to fully support us both, but I told him I just couldn't do it, so with the extra money we have we go out and go on vacation.

Answer 9

Right now I would stop working in a heart beat if I could, but only because I dislike my dead end job.

But I'm working towards an education that will leave me in a job I'll like more (Hopefully love!) and then I would work.
Over a long time I wouldn't want to stay at home, I would get bored and restless.

Answer 10

Even if my spouse told me I didn't have to work, I still would because I would go nuts with nothing productive to do. Also, there is a sense of pride in making my own money and not being told how I can spend it. If someone else is providing for me, I would feel like they owned me. If they start pulling any crap like "I make the money, so I make the decisions", that would NOT be cool with me! So, yes, I would still work.