Ski Lift Conversations?

[slyfox4]

Oh, also, I don't like the "what do you do" question, for multiple reasons. I've been un/underemployed for the better part of the past two years, and it has sucked, and whether it's real or imagined, I don't like feeling like people hear that and assume I'm a total loser. When I was regularly employed, it was breathtaking how many people had to share their strong opinions about what I did. I used to work in tobacco control, and OMG, the people who had all the answers about how to get people to quit smoking, and/or keep kids from starting. I'm all, seriously? I do this FOR A LIVING, people study this FOR A LIVING, and you think that your personal experience and insight is so speshul that no one has ever thought of it before? So you're going to sit here and tell me how to do my job? Gah. Hated it. I've decided that I'm going to start lying in response to that one. I need to figure out the most esoteric, boring thing ever that will cause people to change the subject and say I do that.

I feel you! I work in fundraising for a local land trust. I get a lot of "so you take land of the tax roll?" or "you won't let me snowmobile on your property anymore." It's so frustrating - ask me about a project or land you heard of instead of reaming me out for a decision made years ago! I am always happy to provide hiking spots to people, places to paddle on the lakes. Half the time people ask me what I do I just say non-profit work and leave it at that!

 

[just jane]

Sing it! And also, I love that you do that, @slyfox4. Thank you!

 

[slyfox4]

Sing it! And also, I love that you do that, @slyfox4. Thank you!

Thank you! It's fun, rewarding work, but at times difficult and stressful. I am happy that I live in an area where we have so many passionate conservationists that love the outdoors.

 

[newboots]

I've decided that I'm going to start lying in response to that one. I need to figure out the most esoteric, boring thing ever that will cause people to change the subject and say I do that.

A colleague of mine (we are both psychologists) started telling people at cocktail parties that she was an "interior decorator."

Well, taken in a certain way, that could be considered accurate!

 

[cvana]

I talk on the lift all the time. I get bonus points for embarrassing my daughter if she is with me.

 

[newboots]

I talk on the lift all the time. I get bonus points for embarrassing my daughter if she is with me.

Yes, bonus points, absolutely!

I made a career out of it, almost. But then mine grew up.

 

[Jenny]

I've decided that I'm going to start lying in response to that one. I need to figure out the most esoteric, boring thing ever that will cause people to change the subject and say I do that.

This could be a lot of fun . . .

 

[just jane]

There is a good chance that I will become a professional grant writer in the next few weeks. I think that might do the trick! I can almost see people's eyes glazing over now.

 

[SallyCat]

@just jane , I was on the lift yesterday for the first time after quitting teaching last Friday. So I mean, I'm not just unemployed, I went full Thelma and Louise on my career. Just drove it right off a cliff and hope to never find myself in a classroom again.

So a guy on the lift said "Do you live up here?" (Vermont) and I said "I do now!

 

[diymom]

Just drove it right off a cliff and hope to never find myself in a classroom again.

???Whaaa?? I thought you had been going around interviewing everywhere? As in, for a different teaching job. So you've gone ski bum? Well, you have good timing with the nor'easter coming through.

 

[SallyCat]

???Whaaa?? I thought you had been going around interviewing everywhere? As in, for a different teaching job. So you've gone ski bum? Well, you have good timing with the nor'easter coming through.

Yeah, my school started giving me grief about being absent for interviews (of which I had two, total). I was at the end of my rope with them to begin with, and the implication that I was shirking my responsibilities was too much. After 11 years of nothing but praise for good teaching, I at least expected to be given the benefit of the doubt. But I was not. I know that a better person would have stuck it out until June, but I am not that person. I am, though, very, very happy and relieved. And done with teaching!

I don't know what this dancing-carrot emoji means, but I think it expresses everything I have to say about leaving teaching after 20 years:

 

[newboots]

@SallyCat -

These are for you and your carrot:

 

[Tvan]

I don't know what this dancing-carrot emoji means, but I think it expresses everything I have to say about leaving teaching after 20 years:

From one former teacher to another, I can assure you that there is a great big world out there beyond the classroom! Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!

 

[ski diva]

Former teachers unite! My DH is a former teacher, and was nearly fired the same year he was named Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year (long story). He only taught 3 years, but his life took a completely different turn after that. And it was a good turn, at that.


And by the way, the carrot emoji is meant to symbolize motivation, or an incentive, like a carrot before a horse.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled topic.

 

[Albertan ski girl]

Yeah, my school started giving me grief about being absent for interviews (of which I had two, total). I was at the end of my rope with them to begin with, and the implication that I was shirking my responsibilities was too much. After 11 years of nothing but praise for good teaching, I at least expected to be given the benefit of the doubt. But I was not. I know that a better person would have stuck it out until June, but I am not that person. I am, though, very, very happy and relieved. And done with teaching!

I don't know what this dancing-carrot emoji means, but I think it expresses everything I have to say about leaving teaching after 20 years:

Congrats! Enjoy the nor'easter, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your new adventures in post-teacher land!

 

[diymom]

I'm just waiting for the day I make small talk and find out I am randomly on a chair with a fellow Diva. But I guess for that I need to venture farther out from Wachusett.

 

[marzNC]

I'm just waiting for the day I make small talk and find out I am randomly on a chair with a fellow Diva. But I guess for that I need to venture farther out from Wachusett.

Can't remember, do you have a Diva sticker on your skis?

 

[diymom]

Nope, just my sparkly flowers on one pair, and sparkly unicorns on the other.

 

[freckles]

I talk on the lift all the time. I get bonus points for embarrassing my daughter if she is with me.

same
(and daughter is 21/son is 24)

 

[newboots]

And by the way, the carrot emoji is meant to symbolize motivation, or an incentive, like a carrot before a horse.

It’s a stoke carrot!