[lovingone]

I am using a couple of online dating sites right now. Inevitably the "what do you do for a living" question comes up with guys I am in contact with.

More often than not , the reaction I get when I tell them I am unemployed is one of shock and wonderment!

I feel like saying "Do you not watch the news, we are in a recession, there are millions of unemployed people right now and it isn't getting that much better, duh!"

I don't know, maybe if they know I am a paying member of the site, they wonder how or why I am financing a dating site membership. But I am so tired of dealing with the funny reactions and explaining my perdicament.

I worked in retail for about 10 years when I was sidelined with health problems and made the painful decision to leave after strugling a year to juggle my health problem and keep my job. Now that I am better, I am about to begin training to become a medical asistant.

[nonightowl]

Hugs to you!..I'm going to try to start a similar topic in thread on that alone. I think it's our culture! It's a sick one with the emphasis on occupation. You'd think you're living in an alternate universe, at least that's how I feel. Everyone works that I know, and their attitude is different towards you if you say you don't.

It's none of their business how you pay for your membership. And what you "do" or "don't do" is not who YOU ARE really, but in American culture it is. I read in some cultures it is RUDE to ask people what do they do or what they make!!! HERE, it is routine. It's all people ask, even before they know your NAME. Yes, it's in the news, etc. Yet people are still shocked & condescending if you don't work, employers included!!!

I couldn't believe the guy next to me commented on how fast I type, and he said, "You must have a good office in an office." No, I don't. Not that it's his business. When I said I don't, he said why not & I should!!!

[nonightowl]

I forgot to say that...maybe include something about your situation in your profile, or if you prefer, in the e-mail you exchange with someone you might find interesting.

This way, if he has a problem with it, especially if he is not only stunned but condescending, you'll know right off the bat that he's not the kind of man you want to meet anyway. At least, he wouldn't be for me.

[Impulsive1]

Start your own business with a business card. You can be a consultant with almost free business cards. How about landscaper? Writer? HandyMan company? Some kind of dog walking, child caring, house cleaning, window washing, tree trimming, editor, proof reader, virtual admin assistant, web designer. Just grab one that sounds right to you and try it. And it will look good on your resume as you interview, since ppl like to hire ppl who have a job.