How to respond when your own relatives don't take your job seriously?

[Anonymous]

Who cares about what they think?

[Anonymous]

You won’t convince them. Part of it might even be a bit of envy that you aren’t tied to an office job. I agree that you just don’t talk about work with those who respond badly. If they bring it up just note that you love your job that takes you out of the rat race of corporate America and you consider yourself lucky that it allows you to enjoy beautiful places of the world while getting paid”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You won’t convince them. Part of it might even be a bit of envy that you aren’t tied to an office job. I agree that you just don’t talk about work with those who respond badly. If they bring it up just note that you love your job that takes you out of the rat race of corporate America and you consider yourself lucky that it allows you to enjoy beautiful places of the world while getting paid”

This is OP. Thanks for your input.

I don't talk that much about my job to my relatives. It usually comes up in conversations when I see them in person or when we interact on social media. They'll ask me what I've been up to lately and I'll say that I was away with a group and we were in this or that city or area and we visited this or that museum or landmark. I don't send them pictures of my tours.

They're not rude but they do sound a bit condescending sometimes. Like my job is no more than a hobby or something. I feel lucky I can do this job, that I enjoy it and that I'm good at it too. It's not for everybody. A friend of mine told me that she'd enjoy the traveling but not looking after a group of mainly elderly people 24/7. I enjoy the social aspect of the job.

I agree with you and with previous posters that it's better not to discuss my job with relatives unless they bring it up themselves.

[Anonymous]

I get it OP. I’m a nanny (and 48) abs made a career change in my late 30s because a traditional office job was really boring and felt suffocating. If there’s one thing I learned from my depression era grandmother it’s that all jobs matter and help society function. Imagine going on vacation abd there’s no tour guides, or going to the store abd none stocking shelves or working as a cashier, or no one driving trucks or collecting trash or caring for children/elderly. We’re need most jobs in order to make society function regardless of whether some sort sighted people thing those jobs are important or not.

[Anonymous]

What they think is their business. Whether you choose to care what they think is yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You won’t convince them. Part of it might even be a bit of envy that you aren’t tied to an office job. I agree that you just don’t talk about work with those who respond badly. If they bring it up just note that you love your job that takes you out of the rat race of corporate America and you consider yourself lucky that it allows you to enjoy beautiful places of the world while getting paid”

This is OP. Thanks for your input.

I don't talk that much about my job to my relatives. It usually comes up in conversations when I see them in person or when we interact on social media. They'll ask me what I've been up to lately and I'll say that I was away with a group and we were in this or that city or area and we visited this or that museum or landmark. I don't send them pictures of my tours.

They're not rude but they do sound a bit condescending sometimes. Like my job is no more than a hobby or something. I feel lucky I can do this job, that I enjoy it and that I'm good at it too. It's not for everybody. A friend of mine told me that she'd enjoy the traveling but not looking after a group of mainly elderly people 24/7. I enjoy the social aspect of the job.

I agree with you and with previous posters that it's better not to discuss my job with relatives unless they bring it up themselves.

NP. Use *basic* social media setting changes to block what you don’t want them to see/comment on. Problem solved. On FB, you can post to “Friends Except” and put their names in the “Except” list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work as a tour guide. I travel around with tour groups, mainly retired people, the boomer generation.

I gave up working as an executive assistant 10 years ago to do this. I get to see a lot of interesting places and I enjoy what I do. I'm good at it too. My husband thinks it's great.

My own relatives think it sounds fun but they don't see it as a serious job.. Most of my cousins have 'serious' jobs, like management consultant, veterinarian, physiotherapist, bank manager, etc. They make more money than I do, and they're all younger than me.

The money isn't great but I love my job.

I think that's a very cool job. Any chance though for upward mobility, like to a better tour with tourists that will tip a lot more?

[Anonymous]

Let me try that again. OP, I think that's a very cool job! Is there any chance though for upward mobility, like to a better tour with tourists that will tip a lot more?

[Anonymous]

I have a version of this. I hold a job that is respected by society, at which I earn good money, for which I excelled in school and attended twelve years of post college education and training, for which others frequently consult me. Yet within my family, certain members treat it like it it something they could easily have done if they tried, and as if their google searched expertise is equivalent to mine, and when I assert my knowledge or expertise, they are dismissive bc apparently they can read too. Even if they consistently mis-source, misunderstand and misinterpret what they think they know based on having zero actual education or training in my field.

[Anonymous]

I can relate OP. I was a long time SAHM and now am a substitute who works 2-3 days a week at our local elementary school. The pay is terrible but I like it and the flexibility. They are SO grateful to have me and tell me often.

It’s not prestigious or glamorous and I can tell my and my husbands family basically just act like it’s a hobby of mine and I don’t really work.

It bugs me but I brush it off. To PP’s point, what would we do without subs??

[Anonymous]

Don’t worry about what others think of you. I’ve been a teacher for over 20 years. My mother is a retired teacher and never wanted me to do this because I could be so much more, in their eyes. She constantly tells me how it’s not too late for me to go back to school and make a career change. I agree and tell her the same applies to her. She’s in her 70s but she can also go back to school if she wants. That stops the conversation.

[Anonymous]

They're jealous! Just say, "OMG. I love my job! You couldn't pay me enough to sit in an office all day!"

[Anonymous]

What do your parents think? Let them talk it up on your behalf.

[Anonymous]

Why do you feel like you have to control their feelings? My brother thinks I dont work at all and he resents me for that. The truth is I started a company and have an extremely flexible schedule. I've told him that and he's still not satisfied. Maybe your family is jealous of you. Who cares? Live your life

[Anonymous]

You ignore. That’s it.
If they talk about careers/salaries & you feel uncomfy - you ignor or change the topic.