The word work often gets me thinking and I have looked at this word from many angles and still have no definite opinion.

For most of us it is a necessity rather than a want but what are the alternatives?

I constantly yearn for the day I don’t have to go to work any more but do I?

What would I do without an income?

The harsh reality is that for the majority of people work is a part of life and takes up a vast amount of our time. The pay is rather poor and the tasks often monotonous, draining and pressured. But is does fill the day.

That is very sad. I would love not to work so I could follow my aspirations like cycling, travelling, making things in a shed, walking the dog and meeting up with friends but unfortunately without a lottery win that is a pipe dream.

I think most of us quite like working and the jobs we do but its the amount we are expected to do and the pressures from deadlines, budgets, management, bullies and hours that make something simple so hard.

It all sounds rosy and idyllic not to work or to retire. However, once the jobs that one has saved up have been done, and the novelty has worn off what happens? All too often folk drift into a sedentary life and hanker for something to do and end up either volunteering or going back to work to fill their days and bank balances.

The reality is that we need things to do but most things cost money and that is the elephant in the room that is a constant nag.

I honestly do not know how the professionally unemployed do it. I was out of work for six months or so in the 90’s and it was crap. I filled my days with cycling, walking, running, reading job adds, writing letters and popping into the job centre. They were full on days and had the benefit of getting me fit and active but if it wasn’t for the fact that I was still living at home at the time life would have been a lot different.

Thinking about retirement is good but planning for it is far better. Having contingency plans is a good idea too. For example. I love cycling and walking but these may be physically too much for me so something outside which is less demanding would be a better option like photography, bird-watching or drawing. Learning new skills could be a beneficial addition to one’s life like playing an instrument, writing, pottery or woodworking.

I would hate to think that my days be filled with morning television, going to the pub and then more telly box and bed.

Work also makes us feel needed and a part of the community. It keeps us mentally and physically fit. I cuts boredom and petty crime. It gives us a sense of being.

I guess work is fundamentally good but does it always have to be so hard and punishing? But even that is better than mind numbing boredom.