Why ‘So, what are you doing now?’ is Not an Innocent Question
Letting go of societal expectations.
I've always felt uneasy when people ask me "So, what are you doing now?" after I've left a job in the past for whatever reason. It feels uncomfortable because it’s as if I’m expected to have a perfectly prepared response, with detailed plans for my next career move. What if I just want to take a break for a bit or rest for a long time? What if I only want to focus on my personal projects? The question implies that I must always be productive and taking time for myself is not permitted. This question disregards my freedom to choose my own path, whether that's continuing to work a 9-to-5 job or simply just taking a break. Shouldn't we allow people to just “be” without expecting them to be constantly on the grind?
"So, what are you doing now?" and "What do you do for a living?" are two similar questions that make me feel equally uncomfortable. They both try to define a person’s identity based only on their job or careers. But our worth, identity, and who we are shouldn't come from our careers. Here’s the thing.
We are more than what we do for a living.
It is important to recognize that we don’t owe anyone an explanation about our current situation. We are responsible for our choices and decisions in life. Remember, we don't have to explain our situation to anyone until we're ready. And it's totally okay if we never share or discuss what we are doing next in our lives.
Thank you for stopping by, and have a wonderful week! ♡
Sincerely,
Clari♡ from The Cafecito Diaries ☕️📝 | 💌 hello@claribotello.com
Disclaimer: This post is provided for educational and informational purposes only. This post does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.