How do you respond to such an awkward inquiry? (It can be hard for those of us who don't know how understanding the asker will be, particularly if we suffer from a mental condition or an invisible physical disability)
The following user gives a hug of support to sunni123: jgrangran (02-25-2012)
Re: Poll: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Interesting question Sunni. I don't get asked this often but when I do, I tell them where I use to work and then I tell them I became too sick to work anymore and I was forced to go on disability due to my illness. I don't go into anymore detail than that. This can be a little awkward I suppose if you go out to buy a new car for example and they ask you on the finance application about your job and how much money you make.
Last edited by BlueSkies14; 02-25-2012 at 09:59 AM.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to BlueSkies14 For This Useful Post: sandiemas (03-28-2012), sunni123 (02-25-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
I just tell them I'm retired it works most of the timebut sometimes they say you look so young to be retired then I just say I'm really old and they usually laugh but I don't like to tell anyone I'm on disability.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to jgrangran For This Useful Post: sandiemas (03-28-2012), sunni123 (02-25-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by jgrangran
I just tell them I'm retired it works most of the timebut sometimes they say you look so young to be retired then I just say I'm really old and they usually laugh but I don't like to tell anyone I'm on disability.
LOL jgrangran. I completely understand though. I don't particularly like telling ppl I am on disability either. Hope you have a terrific weekend.
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Yes I having a good week-end. But really this day in time you have to be guarded with what you say sounds parniod right, Hope all is well with you guys.
The Following User Says Thank You to jgrangran For This Useful Post: sunni123 (02-25-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunni123
How do you respond to such an awkward inquiry? (It can be hard for those of us who don't know how understanding the asker will be, particularly if we suffer from a mental condition or an invisible physical disability)
I "basically" tell people that I retired early.My close friends/family are the only ones that truly know what I have been through,as well as the long drawn out approval process.Its really nobody's business
But whatever makes you feel comfortable is perfectly OK in my opinion
GL,
Ferd
The following user gives a hug of support to ferd144: jgrangran (02-25-2012)
The Following User Says Thank You to ferd144 For This Useful Post: sunni123 (02-25-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
The last time I was asked that, I was in my 20's, a stay at home mom, with a full house, gardening, church work, etc. People thought since I didn't have a 'real' job, I must be sitting home watching TV all day.
Now it is not a biggie, since my disability is physical and obvious. When I say that I am retired, no one gives it a second thought.
The Following User Says Thank You to gayle428 For This Useful Post: sunni123 (02-25-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunni123
How do you respond to such an awkward inquiry? (It can be hard for those of us who don't know how understanding the asker will be, particularly if we suffer from a mental condition or an invisible physical disability)
in the 5-6 years i've been on SSDI i do not think i've been ever asked that question. I think if it does get asked i could just say I'm disabled. And not go into any detail.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to mscat40 For This Useful Post: Joybird Lynn (06-30-2012), sunni123 (02-25-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by mscat40
in the 5-6 years i've been on SSDI i do not think i've been ever asked that question. I think if it does get asked i could just say I'm disabled. And not go into any detail.
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Hello All,
I tell everyone retired also.....I worked 33 years before my disability started...Don't think I can retire from my Disability... work was easier. Have a great day!!
n2hlth
Last edited by n2hlth; 02-26-2012 at 01:04 PM.
Reason: spell check
The Following User Says Thank You to n2hlth For This Useful Post: sunni123 (02-26-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Just a FYI>>>
In Jan. 2012, the total SSA beneficiaries (SSDI, retirement,SSI) is approx. 61 million. Out of these, disabled workers like those of us on healthboards accounted for about 8 million of that 61, or about 14%. According to the current US census, the US population is approx. 313,085,758. 8,596,000 (disabled workers) / 313,085,758(total population) = approx. 2.7% of people from the total population who are disabled. Interesting! I think I did the math right.
Last edited by BlueSkies14; 02-26-2012 at 11:19 AM.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to BlueSkies14 For This Useful Post: Jacki345 (02-28-2012), mscat40 (02-26-2012), sunni123 (02-26-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
I just tell people I am retired. No I am not old enough to be retired but that usually handles the situation. If they push the issue I tell them I could explain it but it would take an hour. At that point they sorta are no longer interested.
The Following User Says Thank You to tingles For This Useful Post: sunni123 (03-17-2012)
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by tingles
I just tell people I am retired. No I am not old enough to be retired but that usually handles the situation. If they push the issue I tell them I could explain it but it would take an hour. At that point they sorta are no longer interested.
I'm 56 will be 57 next month but people think I'm in my late 40's. But after working 30 years for one company I just grin at people who ask what do you do or a living because I had some tell me that no one works that many years at one place. Buy the way the ones who did not believe it was generation x person.
Re: What do you say when people ask "What do you do?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by tingles
I just tell people I am retired. No I am not old enough to be retired but that usually handles the situation. If they push the issue I tell them I could explain it but it would take an hour. At that point they sorta are no longer interested.
