The stereotypical claim that a big lottery win "won't change my life" has been undermined by a survey of how much cash would tempt the average person to throw in his or her job. An unexpectedly low minimum of £237,000 would be enough for all but a handful to say "Sorry, but I won't be back tomorrow - or indeed ever".
The figure comes from 750 workers, in a range of jobs, asked to calculate the jackpot that would make them feel sufficiently secure to strike out in a new direction. Either optimistic about a rise in interest rates, or confident they would be earning again within a couple of years, all but 2% said they would take the money and run.
The findings slightly shook the Abbey National, which commissioned the study as part of research into what makes people pay off mortgages. Mark Murphy, the company's head of banking, said that the dream of retiring with a lucky lump sum was harboured by 98% of those questioned, from the young to the old and supposedly wise.
Over-50s, indeed, were prepared to succumb to an even lower threshold, with one in six calculating that they could start a new life with £208,000. Mr Murphy said: "It seems to be an enduring daydream for Brits - winning enough cash to retire immediately."
The survey's figures look wobbly, though, when compared with real lottery wins and the level which has seen lucky punters walk out.
Five postmen in Glasgow abandoned their rounds only after taking investment advice on their shared £4.2m.
Philomena Kelly, 41, a care assistant in a London homeless people's unit, announced she would carry on when she was one of 33 colleagues sharing £10m. She changed her mind only when she was told that days off to nurse her dying father would come out of her holiday time.
