Not sure how to take comments like this?

[Fedupwiththeheatnow]

I do temp work, via agencies. I have frequently changed jobs in the past for different reasons but for now I've been with the same agencies for 1.5 years and do different assignments via them, which works for me. Part of me would also like a permanent role if I manage to find the right fit.
I work in 2 different industries which I like as it gives me a range of experience.

Met up with a friend yesterday who asked me, "How's work going, whatever you're doing, I feel like you're always doing something different."

Last time I saw her she said, "I can't keep up with whatever it is you're doing."

This friend and the rest of that group have all been with the same company for several years which is great as well, but we're just different, my way of working is alien to them.

However when she makes these comments I almost wonder if she's mocking or judging me a little? Or am I just taking it too personally? It shouldn't even matter if she is as it's nothing to do with her, I explained this week yet again that I'm an agency worker and she seemed to backtrack then but I'm sure I'll have another comment next time.

I'd assume she's just making chit chat and isn't keeping track of how many times she's said it/ forgetting she's said it etc.

But I know it could go either way.

Is she the sort of friend you could just ask?

A little untactful. But unless she has form for being unkind, I'd assume she's a little embarrassed by not being able to keep track of exactly what you're doing and where, and just trying to show an interest.

I think it's worth giving good friends and kind people the benefit of the doubt, even when they have an irritating habit... And it sounds like this question is becoming a habitual one!

It may just be chit chat indeed, it's just the way she says stuff maybe.
I remember last time when I mentioned I worked in 2 different industries she had a massive smirk on her face and I didn't get why. And I didn't say "I'm working in drug dealing and prostitution"

You seem very sensitive

She envies your variety and is being snide. She might feel she’s not very adventurous. I’d feel sorry for her. Lol

A bit uninterested but then, honestly I admit that I might also have a sense that I would pay attention to the details of a friends job when it was permanent. :-/

She doesn't envy her - she's just covering herself in case she asks about the wrong job.

Why do people always jump to jealousy?

I'll get very different answers here i guess

However I may be projecting slightly as I do sometimes feel insecure about my working situation even though I work full time and live comfortably so I don't know why it should matter.. I'm comparing myself to them I suppose

I think you are reading too much into it, I would wager that she cant actually remember what you said you were doing (I cant remember what half of my friends do work wise) and doesnt want to directly say that

Unless she has a history of making snotty, mean comments I would say you are being a bit over-sensitive. And yes, maybe she’s embarrassed to keep forgetting about what job you’re doing…
(I get a bit embarrassed when I forget where all my friends kids are at uni and which courses they are taking - I get them all mixed up!)

Just chill, and be glad she is taking an interest?

I’m a little like you and have job hopped a bit. It’s common in the private sector.

I have two good friends - one a teacher and one a doctor, so professions that you spend a long time in - and I get comments like you have had and find them a bit hurtful.

Try not to let it get to you (harder to do than to say!)

She might be jealous because it seems like you're busy, or just making conversation. The comments on their own aren't offensive unless she has an obvious tone or expression.

I’d probably take it the same way as you have and that it comes across as a bit of a dig. It doesn’t sound very ‘apologetic’ but more dismissive of your chosen line of work. Maybe an element of jealousy like others have suggested, that you have the freedom to choose where and when you work whereas she’s possibly stuck in a job she maybe resents but wouldn’t admit it. I’ll bet the companies that you temp for are more than grateful that you’re there to step in when you do, I know in my line of work we’re often short staffed and crying out for people!

Only you know if she is genuinely a nice person taking an interest or being unkind.

One of my friends is self-employed and is always applying for new/more part time work and it changes every academic year. I have been known to say "I can't keep up" but I think she's amazing tbh.

Can’t read tone over text. So you’re best placed to know, really. But my vote is on taking it too personally.

That's the sort of thing I would say to cover my embarressment of not remembering what you did. I wouldn't read too much into it.

I wouldn’t worry. Understanding other people’s jobs isn’t always easy. It probably doesn’t quite click in her mind. I know what companies my sisters work for but what they actually spend their time doing I’m a bit lost on.

It's hard to know, depends on what type of person she is, how she said it, does she have form for it etc.

What I do know is that serial temping is judged (never sure why, when if you were self-employed doing contracts then that apparently is fine). I did it for years and people just could not understand it. They were sure I should want a permanent job but I absolutely didnt. Many employers judge it also. So it isnt impossible she does too .

Exactly that. I often say things like that to cover that I haven't a good memory for information like that. I frequently ask people to spell their surname (not been hit yet with one that would be easy!) at work because I'm great at faces but terrible on names. They'll say "can you pop me on the list for X" and I am too embarrassed to admit I don't know their name again.

I had a friend like this - very subtle critical undertones in things that she said and I remember her saying to me about the fact that I was changing jobs ...again! The fact that I'd been with the same employer (NHS) for 20 years and had just changed locations/departments a few times didn't seem to register with her. So you may well be picking up on some very subtle criticism.

I used to get similar comments. Temping isn't a 'proper job' apparently

It’s just chit chat I’d assume, unless there is anything else on top of it.

Small talk is often about work situations, and she doesn’t have that anchor with you so is trying to find another way in.