Case study: Selling homeware has given Muriel Milne peace of mind as a little extra money comes in

IT MAY not have been the main reason why Muriel Milne decided to go back to work, but the subsequent boost to her income has come in handy at a time when livings costs are spiralling.

Muriel, of Turriff, in Aberdeenshire, spent most of her working life as a carer, apart from a brief spell working in an office before retiring several years ago.

Craving the social element of working, however, Muriel decided to return to work last year, as a direct seller for Enjo. The job involves working some 15 hours a week selling the firm’s environmentally friendly household cleaning products.

“It gets you out of the house and helps you meet people. It’s not hard work and I can do the hours whenever I want.”

Muriel’s husband Sandy went straight into the taxi business when retiring from his haulage driving work last summer, and the extra income has given the couple a timely financial boost.

“Everyone is looking to make some extra money. With food getting more expensive and gas and electricity going up all the time, it’s harder to live.

“My main reason for going back to work was social, but after that the money is the benefit, it really helps me get by with the pension,” said Muriel.

Like millions of retirees, Muriel discovered after paying into her pension for years that when it comes to taking it out, expectations aren’t met.

“You have to cut back, so it gives you peace of mind having a little bit extra money coming in,” said Muriel. “It takes pressure off both of us.”