“What do you mean, you don’t work?”
Life for the unemployed person can be challenging. The fact that society frowns upon the entire idea of not being gainfully employed is difficult to deal with. Many people feel that it is their duty to voice their disapproval – some subtly, and some not. As if I need to be scolded like some small child that is misbehaving, many view voluntary unemployment as anti-social behavior that must be corrected. Sigh…
Fortunately, I live in the downtown area of a major city. There is usually a lot going on down here – much of it worse than the odd, middle aged fellow that is often seen sipping coffee on a patio at 10 in the morning. People don’t give me a second thought.
My friends and family are a different story.
Upon hearing of my decision to leave my job, every one of them asked if I had another job to go to, or if I planned on blitzing the major corporations with my resume. The concept of downshifting, simplification, and actually living life, is entirely foreign to them.
The result is that I seem to be a hot topic of conversation when family or friends get together. I hear this from other members of my family and other friends – it’s hilarious. There are some that seem to think I’ve lost my mind and, though they try to be low-key about it, can’t seem to mind their own business – it’s like an obsession. I’m glad I can provide so many interesting topics of conversation when things get boring.
However, I have no intention of altering my plans. The corporate world will never be a part of my life again.
So, here I am with all the time in the world, working on strategies that will hopefully allow me to continue living this lifestyle – because now that I have a taste, I’ll never go back.
Filed under: Unemployed
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You must’ve read my comment, lol! Yeah, my younger brother often jokingly compares me to black welfare recipients, even though I live off of my husband. He doesn’t really mean anything by it, though. As for the rest of my small family, no one else cared, either, which surprised me. (Well, my a**hole BIL did take it upon himself to confront my husband about the subject, claiming that I’m obviously using him, but who cares what he thinks? My husband and I talked about it at length before I quit, and so he needs to tend to his own screwed-up life.) As I mentioned, I find that nearly everyone else has a huge problem with it, despite the fact that a scant 30 to 40 years ago, nearly all wives stayed home, wether they had children, or as in my case, not. I do believe that jealousy plays a part in the sheeple POV, but also I’ve been told many times that they don’t want to give up shopping, and/or they claim they simply won’t know what to do with themselves.
Actually, I wrote that last night and just cleaned it up a little this morning before submitting it. How weird is that?? Looks like we’re on the same wavelength.
Well, you know what they say…great minds think alike!
A kindred spirit-yeah!! I’ve just recently, and joyfully, joined the ranks of the voulentarily unemployed. Ever since the end of high school, and that was a lot of years ago, I’ve always supported myself with a never ending parade of mind numbing dead end jobs. Now I’m married and my spouse makes a substantial salary. I decided that my time would be better spent taking care of us so I quit. See ya. No more a job drudge. When I first decided to quit I was expecting to get grief from my spouse but she actually admitted that she liked it better when I am at home. More stuff gets done and I have greater amounts of peace, energy and sanity. As far as what other people think-quite frankly I am old enough now not to care. Do as you will, harm none.
Best Regards All