The average Brit reckons an hour of their time is worth £47 - more than twice the average wage. <br /><br />Researchers asked 2,000 adults to put a value on the different ways they spend their time, to include work, socialising, looking after children, housework and helping others. <br /><br />It shows that while the nation earns an average of £22 an hour, they value their free time much higher at £56. <br /><br />Time with children is the most valuable of all, with people typically putting the value of that at £106 for 60 minutes. <br /><br />But when friends and neighbours in need are concerned, time is not an issue, as 80 per cent would happily help out for free. <br /><br />It also emerged adults reckon they waste 11 hours of their time a week waiting around for things – or just doing nothing in particular - costing up to £517. <br /><br />The research was commissioned by over 50’s life insurance company, Cover Today, whose spokesperson said: “Time is the one thing you can't buy or earn more of, so invest it in what truly matters. <br /><br />“Many people say the true wealth of a person is measured by how they invest their time in relationships and pursuits that bring them happiness. <br /><br />“It seems millions are squandering some of their valuable time on nothing in particular – which we’re all guilty of.” <br /><br />The research also found 26 per cent of adults admitted they are guilty of under-valuing their time. <br /><br />And 72 per cent value their personal time far more than that which they spend at work. <br /><br />More than half (56 per cent) said it’s because you can’t put a price on freedom, while 54 per cent blame it on work being something they have to do, not something they want to do. <br /><br />Two thirds of adults polled, via OnePoll, also hate having to wait around for things. <br /><br />And the same figure believe we now live in a time where having to wait a long period for something is ‘unacceptable’. <br /><br />A spokesperson from Cover Today, which claims to be the only over 50's life insurance provider to offer immediate protection for death by any cause, added: “Time is precious, and waiting can be a real test of one's patience. <br /><br />“In a world where everything moves at lightning speed, waiting is the last thing anyone wants to do. <br /><br />“So finding ways to cut how much you need to wait is a smart way to live, which will give you time to do the things you really want to do.” <br /><br />HOW MUCH BRITS ESTIMATE AN HOUR IS WORTH:<br /><br />Their time in general: £47<br />Their time at work: £22<br />Their free time: £56<br />Time with children: £106<br />Time with partner: £100<br />Socialising time: £48<br />Time doing housework: £31
