On Friday, I went to the bank to make some changes to one of our accounts. As the teller was updating our information, she asked me the dreaded "Do you still work for Prison Media?" question. And the conversation unfolded like this:
Me: "No."
Her: "Where do you work now?"
Me: "I don't."
Her: "You don't work?"
Me: "Not unless you count being a stay at home mom as a job."
Her: "I would love to be a stay at home mom."
Me: "I would love to be working..."
When she handed me some paperwork to take home for the husband to sign, she had filled in my occupation with my least favorite word: Unemployed. UGH. I despise that word and I try to never use it.
Which got me to thinking. What am I, exactly? Am I unemployed? Am I self-employed? Am I a stay at home mom? I'm not such a fan of labels, but I feel like I need one. And a flattering, positive one. I like Rock Star. And Blogger Who Doesn't Earn Any Money is OK too. Heck, even Chef to the Children or Cleaning Expert would be better than Unemployed.
Why is it so important to me to not be labeled as unemployed? I think it's a couple of things. First of all, I didn't choose to be unemployed. Second of all, this is the longest I've gone without a steady job since I officially entered the workforce at 16. That's a heck of a streak and I hated to see it end.
On the plus side, spring break is coming up soon and working people don't get spring break. Except for teachers. Which brings me to a question I keep asking myself: Would I make a good teacher? Well? Would I?
2 comments:
Because there is a negative sound to being "unemployed." It sounds like you CAN'T or WON'T hold down a job and that you're a drain on society (which, believe me is NOT the case). My mom is 57 and retired but she's actively trying to find a job because she DOESN'T want to be "unemployed."
Just remember, eventually, the right job will come along. Enjoy the time with your kids and your husband. Enjoy LIFE. and you're still a very productive member of society :)
You are totally self-empoloyed. Or a freelance designer. Or a freelance fill-in-the-blank. And I agree, the right thing will come.
What would you teach? I could see you as a teacher. Is it something you really want to do? Then GO FOR IT!
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