When did this change happen?

Especially if you're shaking their hand at the time... :2thumbsup:

 

I recently retired and when people ask me what I am doing I generally say "I am living, finally!"

I used to work in a library and people generally thought I sat around and read books all day. Guess they never worked in a library.

People apparently did not know what I did then or what I am doing now.

 

Ah,,the proverbial question, "What do you do?".

I suppose it's so wide open that you could take it any which way you please.

Like,,"I do this." (grabs girl, kisses passionately). That's a move straight out of the movies. Don't know if it always works, but it should, if you're "in the moment". Otherwise, you may be expecting trouble from her husband.

 

My answer is simply... "I'm retired". That is what I am... and I leave it at that. For anyone who wants to get nosey , I simply tell them I have enough money to live, so don't need to work. Which is pretty much a lie- but we,re talking about people we dont really know here-right?
Anyone nosier than that, I typically walk away from, as I don't like particularly nosey people who want to know the ins and outs of everyone else's lives.
Any friend or people Ive known dont need to ask- they know already
Not too many ask anymore as I am looking like a real retired guy these days-

For you younger people, that is just a shitty question to be asked - working or not * *
Your friends know the deal. Strangers just trying to make conversation need to be askin"So whats going on in your life"- or some shit like that. Not something that they can equate with $$ or thier idea of success*

jjack

 

Most of the people asking about my retirement are former co-workers. They want to know what trips I am planning to go on, or if I am going to move, or am I doing this or that. Apparently they never knew me that well. I did not enjoy traveling before I am not going to suddenly go on trips now. I have always been a hermit homebody. I am really enjoying myself now. For any stranger I would just say "I'm retired".

 

Another valid (though perhaps immoral, in a way) response to "What do you do?" would be to kill the one asking, after explaining that that is what you "do".

 

I do whatever i damn please to do! and yes thats the truth. I may not always get to do exactly what i want to do when i want to do it but eventually i do get to do it. I have done so many wild and wonderful things. My life is full of expereince. I have had and i have given away all i had a few times over. What i do not do is abuse other people. I do help people mostly because thats what i like to do. I don't always need to own what i am doing. Sometimes just doing it is enough because ownership can be a drag. I love planting gardens and trees and recycling and restoration of old buildings as well as removing trash and invasive species. I am not into new things. I like used stuff and i like using it not just looking at it. I still love sewing my clothes and applying patches or sewing up holes. I love my socks with patches. They are very comfortable. I love being near trees for shade and near water for growing and i love summer rains so even though i have lived out west i love back east too out in the appalachians. I love the seasons and the changes and i love good hard working people like the amish and mennonites and a few other groups. I like to sleep and i do get 7 to 8 hours every night. I also love to dream and know i am dreaming when i am dreaming. Yes what do i do? I do what i like to do, how bout you?

 

Thats where you messed up first. I didn't go to high school so i don't have to worry about any reunions etc etc.. I never had the same job very long but i have always worked. To me life is about the experiences and not about fitting in. If i do something too long i make sure i stop doing it and try something else otherwise i may get old. Thats what i do

 

ok, i gota borrow that one...im looking to cut down on handshakes with people i dont even like and that will do it. i thank you

 

Reading this thread was actually a bit of an eye opener.

 

people are stuck within the monotony of society. i love working with plants, so i always tell people that when i meet them.

 

I tend to ask people what their interests are it avoids that whole conversation about a job they usually hate some times you do hear about thier jobs but usually only if it is something they love and are very passionate about so it sort of a win win thing!

:love::daisy::grouphug:

 

True, we have become what we do. If someone starts to go on about their job, I will change the subject. I would rather hear something INTERESTING.

 

I am currently retired and a student and a wanderer not much for a conversation piece so I go on about hobbies and interests all the time. I am into Holistic Pet care big time so always a good conversation piece in my eyes!

:scholar::gossip:

 

I'm 59 and been working in the same industry since I was 20. About 5 years ago I realized I never had a career, I just had a job. Damn, no do overs

Now I;m using my excess pay/funds to keep up my hobbies-playing in a 60's/70's rock band and learning how to play golf.It;s never to late