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Original poster

I don’t work

66 replies

GiveItAWobble · 20/02/2022 12:15

Hi, I was wondering what your initial opinion would be on someone if you asked what they did for a living and they replied “oh, I don’t work”.

Person in question is mid twenties, dresses what would appear to be nice (designer shoes & bag) and well groomed, drives a mid range car, no kids, partner in a secure public services job but probably not earning £££ due to it being public, never seen house and don’t know if they rent or own but don’t live with parents. Seem to spend a lot of their days in the gym and eating out etc. You also know that they have been to uni and have a MA degree.

OP posts:
NameChangeNymph · 20/02/2022 14:08

I wouldn't have an opinion as such but I'd be dying to know how they fund their lifestyle (not that I'd ever ask).

BiscuitLover3678 · 20/02/2022 14:09

I don’t know really, I’d just assume they were wealthy. I’d need to get to know them. Probably very wealthy parents.

BiscuitLover3678 · 20/02/2022 14:12

I know of someone who fits this description btw but they choose to work. They have a very ordinary job but not ordinary lifestyle. I don’t know how they connect with colleagues tbh. They spend so much money all the time and one minute lecturing about climate change and the next minute throwing away pairs of shoes they’ve worn once. It’s a bit eye watering! They have no idea how hypocritical they’re being. The parents are very wealthy and the kids all have trust funds.

catfunk · 20/02/2022 14:13

I don't think I'd think anything. Could be one of hundreds of reasons for not working. Sickness, inheritance, lottery, generational wealth, paid off mortgage early ....

Waxonwaxoff0 · 20/02/2022 14:15

I'd have no opinion.

Macaroni46 · 20/02/2022 14:17

Unlike many of the far more worthy previous posters, I'd judge like mad and would be both envious and incredulous that someone seemingly had such an easy life.

CremeEggThief · 20/02/2022 14:17

I wouldn't care one bit. None of my business.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 20/02/2022 14:19

@Macaroni46

Unlike many of the far more worthy previous posters, I'd judge like mad and would be both envious and incredulous that someone seemingly had such an easy life.
Why would you judge? I expect most of us wouldn't work if we could afford not to. I don't love slogging my guts out at work but I need the money.
CounsellorTroi · 20/02/2022 14:21

There was a thread about this in AIBU

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4470155-To-ask-if-you-are-a-housewife-with-no-children

CounsellorTroi · 20/02/2022 14:22

And lots of people were very judgey. I might have been when I was younger but not now I’m retired!

PuzzledObserver · 20/02/2022 14:23

The question that occurs to me is, if you were in a financial position to do this yourself, would you want to?

I’ve retired early (was 57) and am thoroughly enjoying myself. I couldn’t have afforded it in my twenties, but I’m also not sure if I would have wanted to even if I could, iyswim. However, now I am comfortable that I don’t need to justify my existence by conforming to other people’s expectations.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 20/02/2022 14:26

[quote CounsellorTroi]There was a thread about this in AIBU

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4470155-To-ask-if-you-are-a-housewife-with-no-children[/quote]
That's about being a housewife though. Not about being independently wealthy. OP didn't mention about the person being a housewife.

Woahthehorsey · 20/02/2022 14:46

I'd assume married to someone warning enough to facilitate them not working. Or inheritance/ independent means.

TedMullins · 20/02/2022 15:12

Well, I’m nosey and blunt so I’d be surprised and ask in as friendly and light hearted a voice as I could muster whether that was through choice and how they afforded to live. Surprise and curiosity would be my initial reaction and I think the non-worker would be fully aware their lifestyle would attract questions

MarmiteyCrumpets · 20/02/2022 15:15

They might have medical issues they don't want to talk about and be unable to work.

sleaf · 20/02/2022 15:18

Big lottery win

Controlling/abusive DP

Inheritance

From a wealthy family

NinjaQueen · 20/02/2022 15:21

I'd probably assume they were between jobs or just finished their education and ready to soon start looking for work.

EmmaH2022 · 20/02/2022 15:40

@TedMullins

Well, I’m nosey and blunt so I’d be surprised and ask in as friendly and light hearted a voice as I could muster whether that was through choice and how they afforded to live. Surprise and curiosity would be my initial reaction and I think the non-worker would be fully aware their lifestyle would attract questions
Some family friends retired at 55 and didn't tell many people, in order to avoid questions and judgement.
uncomfortablydumb53 · 20/02/2022 15:47

My first thought would be they're too unwell at the moment

Vallmo47 · 20/02/2022 15:49

I could say the same for myself so I certainly wouldn’t judge anyone else for it. We all have our reasons life turns out the way it has and it’s literally none of my business.

SC215 · 20/02/2022 16:23

I would be jealous AF.

User1isnotavailable · 20/02/2022 22:45

Inheritance
Benefits
Partner

BIWI · 20/02/2022 22:49

Absolutely no point in responding to your question when a) you're a namechanger/new poster and b) you don't bother answering anyone

louderthan · 20/02/2022 22:59

OnlyFans or drug dealing.

TheChronicalTales · 20/02/2022 23:00

@BIWI

Absolutely no point in responding to your question when a) you're a namechanger/new poster and b) you don't bother answering anyone
People NC because people like you go rifling through their posting history for no reason 😂
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