I do nothing to "make the home" so it really didn't fit. But here's the thing: as "homemaker" is an option and homemakers do not earn an incoem, the answer to the question obviously does not have to be something you earn money doing.

OP, you are a lawyer even if you are not presently practicing law. You can put lawyer and don't have to say retired.

I put lawyer for kid 1, but since I volunteer a lot with nonprofits and have some board positions and also manage the family finances including choosing where we donate, I chose "Philanthropist" from the pull down menu for kid 2.

Ain’t no way T20s are googling parents of applicants. Maybe regional schools at risk of shutting down…

Trust me, top schools only care what you do if knowing your profession doesn’t require a google search.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure the top 20 or so private universities do a Google search of the parents. So, if aiming for those schools, the "homemaker" box probably isn't doing the kid any favors. Unless a trad wife influencer with a gazillion followers, it's probably best to choose a different box.

For every applicant that’s in the ballpark? That would be a lot of googling. But if so, DH’s job is easily googleable so maybe I’m not doing my kid any favors but at least they would know we’re full pay.

Googling me would disclose that as well but doesn't that blow up the claim that admissions are "need blind?"

I put unemployed

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure the top 20 or so private universities do a Google search of the parents. So, if aiming for those schools, the "homemaker" box probably isn't doing the kid any favors. Unless a trad wife influencer with a gazillion followers, it's probably best to choose a different box.

For every applicant that’s in the ballpark? That would be a lot of googling. But if so, DH’s job is easily googleable so maybe I’m not doing my kid any favors but at least they would know we’re full pay.

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure the top 20 or so private universities do a Google search of the parents. So, if aiming for those schools, the "homemaker" box probably isn't doing the kid any favors. Unless a trad wife influencer with a gazillion followers, it's probably best to choose a different box.

Really? That kind of creeps me out, any confirmation of that??

Anonymous wrote:Wow, homemaker indeed feels like a very outdated term! I’d prefer family caregiver or something more neutral (plus that also captures the very real possibility that someone is caring for aging parents and not just their own children/household). I suppose retired could work, depending on where someone is in their station of life.

Is it an outdated term or an outdated lifestyle? 🤔

If not seeking financial aid put idly rich to help your kids chances should they look at that field.

I'm pretty sure the top 20 or so private universities do a Google search of the parents. So, if aiming for those schools, the "homemaker" box probably isn't doing the kid any favors. Unless a trad wife influencer with a gazillion followers, it's probably best to choose a different box.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you put any occupation on your taxes? Homemaker?

Blank or align it with your taxes.

I do not think it will matter.

OK but is it still extremely insulting it’s even on there! I mean, I have a degree, I EARNED my degree !!!

And unless the application has changed in 3 years there is a place to tell them about your education too. I’m a homemaker with a Master’s Degree.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you put any occupation on your taxes? Homemaker?

Blank or align it with your taxes.

I do not think it will matter.

OK but is it still extremely insulting it’s even on there! I mean, I have a degree, I EARNED my degree !!!

And you get credit for that in a different section.

This never crossed my mind. My kids’ apps have me as a homemaker with a PhD.

Anonymous wrote:I am a homemaker now but chose “retired” since that is technically the case. Didn’t even see homemaker as an option! I quit when kids were younger so I could stay home, so I guess I did retire…albeit at age 42. IDGAF. Love my life and glad I left. Worth it.

+100

I am a homemaker now but chose “retired” since that is technically the case. Didn’t even see homemaker as an option! I quit when kids were younger so I could stay home, so I guess I did retire…albeit at age 42. IDGAF. Love my life and glad I left. Worth it.

Stumbled on this article.

https://slate.com/human-interest/2013/03/housewife-homemaker-or-stay-at-home-mom-what-should-we-call-women-who-don-t-do-paid-work.html

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow, homemaker indeed feels like a very outdated term! I’d prefer family caregiver or something more neutral (plus that also captures the very real possibility that someone is caring for aging parents and not just their own children/household). I suppose retired could work, depending on where someone is in their station of life.

But if the kid is fully grown and about to move out, isn’t homemaker more accurate than “family caregiver?” That sounds like you live with a disabled parent or something.

I mean, at some point you need to own what you do all day. That is what they are asking. Why the obsfucation?

DP, but some of us do indeed have elderly parents who also live with us. And trust, we don't have to "own what we do all day" to anyone, particularly you.