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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What to reply when people constantly ask when are you going to work/how can you afford to be off?

56 replies

Sockmate123 · 14/05/2025 17:24

Currently on a career break and I'm getting so many comments/questions like this. Do ppl that are permanent SAHP's get this? I'm loving being off tbh and would love to extend it!

OP posts:
DoYouReally · 14/05/2025 17:31

Short response followed by redirection

"Oh don't worry about me, I'll manage.

Anyway.....how are things with you? Last time, we spoke you mentioned X....:

Mumoftwoboysaged4and5 · 14/05/2025 17:31

Perhaps they are just genuinely interested as they would like to do the same. Women should normalise talking about money, it’s not vulgar in the right situation.

KellySeveride · 14/05/2025 17:30

I think I’d go down @SparklyBrickViper‘s route and come up with a sarcastic answer.
Drugs, prostitution, secret sugar daddy etc

Tartanboots · 14/05/2025 17:29

Give them a Paddington "hard stare" and reply that you're not sure. This is a good response to many nosey questions.

SparklyBrickViper · 14/05/2025 17:28

“Doing drug runs”. Then a little cackle.

SoScarletItWas · 14/05/2025 17:26

This is the exact situation that the Mumsnet ‘tinkly laugh’ was invented for.

It’s none of their business and you don’t need to discuss your finances with anyone.

Change the subject and don’t give their nosiness another thought.

I’d remind them that it’s vulgar to talk about money, but I’m snappy like that.