To w*rk or not to w*rk?

[always_learning]

That is my question.

Assume:
*you had 34 SS credits
*qualified for SS/Medicare based on spouse's record
*did not need the income
*would only earn min wage or thereabouts

Would you go back to w*rk for those extra credits? Assume you are content to stay at home but also wouldn't mind w*rking for a few years, so it's about 50/50 of a do-or-do-not decision. Also assume that spouse says "do what you want". Oh, kids are now out of the house.

Basically, is there a reason for me to get those last few SS credits tucked away while DH works a few more years?

[Walt34]

It might be worthwhile if the extra income would buy you options you'd really like, such as an extra trip a year or something. But if all the extra SS is going to buy is money for your heirs, then of course no.

And if you land in a good place, I learned a long time ago that the people one works with can make a job even entertaining. Conversely they can also make one miserable and of course you have the option of quitting on the spot if that happens.

[flintnational]

Quote:

Originally Posted by always_learning Assume you are content to stay at home but also wouldn't mind w*rking for a few years, so it's about 50/50 of a do-or-do-not decision.

Yep, sounds like a 50/50 decision to me. Flip a coin.

[RunningBum]

I wouldn't think of this in terms of credits. Think of it in terms of how much it bumps your SS benefits. You're also going to get paid, so add in that money, after tax. You don't need the income, but would it bring you more security, or extras you would enjoy? And are those worth the extra time working? Look at the whole picture, not just in conceptual SS credits.

[always_learning]

Thanks for the input so far! I was hoping to see that I wasn't missing something by just leaving things the way they are. I tried Googling to see if there was a reason for me to go back and get those few credits but my googlefu failed me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34 It might be worthwhile if the extra income would buy you options you'd really like, such as an extra trip a year or something. But if all the extra SS is going to buy is money for your heirs, then of course no. And if you land in a good place, I learned a long time ago that the people one works with can make a job even entertaining. Conversely they can also make one miserable and of course you have the option of quitting on the spot if that happens.

Hmm... any money would probably just get added to the big pot. Wardrobe, taxes (we're 28% now), and lunch/gas would eat up most of my pay, I would assume.

Yeah, due to the low pay I'd get, it would have to be something I find interesting and no retail hours, so I would be picky.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintnational Yep, sounds like a 50/50 decision to me. Flip a coin.

That's what I figured. Maybe I'll get a resume ready and see if anything interesting comes up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningBum I wouldn't think of this in terms of credits. Think of it in terms of how much it bumps your SS benefits. You're also going to get paid, so add in that money, after tax. You don't need the income, but would it bring you more security, or extras you would enjoy? And are those worth the extra time working? Look at the whole picture, not just in conceptual SS credits.

Oops! I forgot to add that bit, so thanks for bringing it up. My pay when working was low since it was from the ages of 14-23 back when min wage was $3.25 so any SS I would get is much less than half of DH's. We don't need the income so the only reason for me to work would be to get those credits if there is a reason for me to do so. I guess I've looked at the whole picture and it mostly just boils down to those credits being the deciding factor (barring a really interesting opportunity coming along).

[Senator]

Start a business and pay yourself enough to get credits. It may be easier than working for someone.

I am guessing that the amount of the SS increase would be minimal.

[omni550]

Note: If you've been married less than 10 years and happen to get divorced, you would not be eligible to collect on your then ex-spouse's SS. Don't know if this might be a factor in your decision.

omni

[always_learning]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator Start a business and pay yourself enough to get credits. It may be easier than working for someone. I am guessing that the amount of the SS increase would be minimal.

I like that idea, but have no idea what I would want to do!

Quote:

Originally Posted by omni550 Note: If you've been married less than 10 years and happen to get divorced, you would not be eligible to collect on your then ex-spouse's SS. Don't know if this might be a factor in your decision. omni

Thanks for this. Lots of people don't know about that.

We've been happily married well over the 10 year mark so it doesn't apply to me but it might be of help to someone else who might read the thread down the line.

[l8_apex]

No harm in going out and looking for a job, landing something, and giving it a try. You can always quit if it's not a good fit.

[joeea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by always_learning Would you go back to w*rk for those extra credits? Assume you are content to stay at home but also wouldn't mind w*rking for a few years, so it's about 50/50 of a do-or-do-not decision

Personally, unless I needed the money or would feel more secure, I wouldn't go back to work for a few SS credits.

However, I feel strongly that people should continue to work until they really no longer want to work.

I retired, but my wife continues to work. She still loves her work, and lost 8 or so work years in her career while staying at home with the kids.

While we are financially independent and don't need the money, I fully support her decision to continue to work as long as she is physically capable, and as long as she still enjoys it. Once she is done, she will know it. At that point we'll begin some additional travel, move to our second home in an over 55 community, sell our current primary residence, etc. Plenty of time for all that once she is ready.

Meanwhile, I am trying to make things as easy for her as I can. Now that I have the time, I cook, clean, shop, etc. That makes our weekends more enjoyable.

Since you indicate you don't need the money and your husband will be working a few years, you should decide based solely on if you want to work or not.

[Z3Dreamer]

NO! Your time is too valuable. Want a list of more important things for you to do?