I wonder if any of you get shocked or condescending reactions from people (including employers) if you're unemployed. Do you get questions from people you don't even know like, "Do you work? Why not?" or "What do you do?" "Why aren't you working?"

I'd especially like to hear from people in countries other than the U.S. on this. Do people ask that question a lot, like at parties or something?? I once read that in France, it is rude for people to ask, "What do you get paid" or "What do you DO?" If you are in France, is that true? Anyone know? Is this an American thing?

I think it's some kind of cultural thing in the U.S., but I don't know how it all started. And even in this recession (which isn't over if millions are still out of work), it's like living in an alternate universe. People just assume you work; I mean it's a "prosperous" time right? They say, "Oh, did you just get off work?" How do they know you work at all????!!! Maybe you just got laid off. It's like a slap in the face or a knife in the heart! It's none of their business if you do or not, but I've noticed how stunned they are if you say you don't. Some have the gall to press the issue, asking WHY not and acting as if YOU have a problem in not explaining yourself to THEM! (One of my favorite emoticons, esp. on this subject)