Housewife? What’s the best way to tell people what I “do for work”?
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Anonymous
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Due to many different circumstances, most nobody’s business (for the sake of this post, I stopped working after experiencing severe postpartum depression, and since DH could and can fully support us comfortably, I haven’t gone back and don’t really want to right now) I am a housewife now that my children are in school full-time, and have been for a couple years.
*I am posting this with sincerity, so please be polite with me! I never know what to say when new people ask what I do for a living. Or, I do, but it always seems to make things awkward or makes people (both men and women, though in different ways) very defensive (“I could never do that! What do you do all day? Aren’t you bored? I’d lose my mind and go insane.”) Part of me wants to tell these women I WAS sort of insane, certifiably, and that’s why stopped working, but why start a fight? I always just let them spew their thoughts in my direction because it’s easier, but I’m sort of sick of it. I’m sick of explaining why I haven’t gone back to work now that my kids are in school. Sick of trying to sugar coat why I stopped working. Sick of explaining to people that I do find fulfillment in other ways. REALLY tired of the people who try and tell me how THEY would feel. Does anyone have any advice? What would YOU want to hear from me? |
Anonymous
| Just say you're retired |
Anonymous
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I’m thankful that I never meet drama queens like OP in real life.
OP no one cares if you’re a SAHM, you’re tye only one making a big deal out of it. |
Anonymous
| *tye = the |
Anonymous
| Taking care of the kids for now |
Anonymous
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People are just making conversation (poorly) because it is rare to meet a homemaker in many circles these days.
Just say confidently that you are a SAHM and ignore any impolite comments. It is a privilege to have this option to SAH and some people may be jealous. Ignore and change the subject. |
Anonymous
“Retired? But you’re only in your 40s!” |
Anonymous
“Aren’t they in school now?” |
Anonymous
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I am a stay at home parent, I mange the house and kids keep me very busy!
If they are not rude then say How about you, do you enjoy what you do? If they are rude you say "I could never do office work EVER again blarrrrrrrrrrr !"...never in my life, it would kill me! NO. literally! Yuck...not in million years :=) until they shut up, and they will. |
Anonymous
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I'd want to hear about your interests/how you find fulfillment.
But I understand where you're coming from. I was home with my kids for about a decade and I struggled to find an answer to that question that was both honest and didn't make me feel bad. |
Anonymous
| Ugh. I can’t even. How are you this insecure OP. |
Anonymous
Yes. How are your kids? |
Anonymous
| In people’s defense they are probably trying to make conversation. You could say - I’m taking a break from working right now, maybe at the right time I’ll go back. Or could be more honest - I love staying home and this is what works best for us. If people are judging your answer then they aren’t your people anyways. |
Anonymous
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Damn. Own it op. “I stay home and manage the house. I love it”.
If anyone tries to make fun of you, they’re just jealous. I personally would be fulfilled staying home. I wouldn’t be a good sahm though of small kids. Mentally I couldn’t do it. |
Anonymous
This is perfect. Where do you live that people have no manners? If I meet Someone who is a SAHM, I just smile and say, that’s great and then keep on with my day. |