Tell me something-- an introductory remark

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Cint

Cint

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I found this little cartoon as I was reading thru my email this morning. It is comical, but it does speak volumes to me. This is how I feel when I'm introduced to someone I've never met and they ask, "So, what do you do?" I hate that question!! I feel like saying, "I hear dead People!" But then they would want to put me in a looney bin forever!! I really don't hear that, tho. But I have heard voices a time or two when going into a really bad TC!
 
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I think it's kind of a rude way to phrase a question, because it implies that you are defined by your job.
(can't see the cartoon, but I'm sure it's funny!)
 
I think in part people are defined by their jobs, because the job a person does can often give an indication of whether the two people conversing have similar interests, experiences, and education. This is particularly the case if someone has pursued higher education in order to get the career they want: if someone has a had to obtain a university degree for a career,then often it is often because they have great interest in something, and knowing what someone is interested in tells a lot about them.
 
Comic strip

Here is the comic strip I failed to attach in my first post. The 2nd scene is me speaking, at least that is what I feel like sometimes!

55c3abd81d00002f00144138 copy.jpg
 
masterjen said:
I think in part people are defined by their jobs, because the job a person does can often give an indication of whether the two people conversing have similar interests, experiences, and education. This is particularly the case if someone has pursued higher education in order to get the career they want: if someone has a had to obtain a university degree for a career,then often it is often because they have great interest in something, and knowing what someone is interested in tells a lot about them.
Click to expand...

Well, I was interested in travel and although I didn't go to a University, I did have a career as a travel agent before seizures started. I did go to school for that. And I was married to a pilot. I still have a great interest in travel and have done that. Been all over the U.S. and to Europe/Canada several times. But I still haven't been able to get a "real job" in the travel industry because the seizures have never been fully controlled. So now, I really don't have much to say to folks, unless it is related to health issues or travel.
 
I particularly hate it when I am in a group and everyone is getting to know everyone else, everyone talks about how successful they are in jobs/relationships and they ask me what I do and I just say nothing.
I could say my job fired me because I kept having seizures and missed hours, then I had to leave college because I couldn't keep up with the work.
Now nowhere will give me a job, even though they would never say it is to be with the epilepsy - when an hours interview ends after 15 mind when we have just spoke about it, it is obvious.
Plus I have only ever had two boyfriends, both of whom cheated and dumped me and said it was because I was no fun and too careful because of my epilepsy.

I hate people asking me that, they just think I am a scrounger.

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Cint said:
Well, I was interested in travel and although I didn't go to a University, I did have a career as a travel agent before seizures started. I did go to school for that. And I was married to a pilot. I still have a great interest in travel and have done that. Been all over the U.S. and to Europe/Canada several times. But I still haven't been able to get a "real job" in the travel industry because the seizures have never been fully controlled. So now, I really don't have much to say to folks, unless it is related to health issues or travel.
Click to expand...

If I were you, I would answer the question about the type of work you do by saying: "I have a career as a travel agent" (you are not obligated to say you are not working anymore, as I have discovered). Then to avoid questions about where you work now, etc. quickly add that you yourself love to travel, and where you have been, etc.
 
Zara-Newman said:
I particularly hate it when I am in a group and everyone is getting to know everyone else, everyone talks about how successful they are in jobs/relationships and they ask me what I do and I just say nothing.
I could say my job fired me because I kept having seizures and missed hours, then I had to leave college because I couldn't keep up with the work.
Now nowhere will give me a job, even though they would never say it is to be with the epilepsy - when an hours interview ends after 15 mind when we have just spoke about it, it is obvious.
Plus I have only ever had two boyfriends, both of whom cheated and dumped me and said it was because I was no fun and too careful because of my epilepsy.

I hate people asking me that, they just think I am a scrounger.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

We don't think your a scrounger. We know the hell you're going thru!
Have you contacted you local Epilepsy Foundation for help in finding a job or Vocational Rehab?

http://www.epilepsy.com/get-help/ma...oyment/employment-program/finding-employmen-0
 
The only "help" I have been offered here (england) is advice from the general job center that told me that it is up to me if I tell an employer or not.
We don't have access to specialised people here, hardly have access to anyone at the moment!

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Yeah, I was only working as a waitress/bar staff at the time - but as soon as my seizures started up badly they refused me any hours and blocked my number from all their phones.
Refused to let me see them.

It is really sad

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I use hear similar stories in clinic when I went...soo many have had to lie to keep a job it appauling
 
I went to a job interview last month, it was meant to be a hour long - got 15 minutes in and they asked about my epilepsy and then the interview was over, before they asked me anything about school or college, previous work - anything.

You can't prove it is discrimination but it was so obvious!

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I have the best job now. I still keep in contact with a few people in the fashion industry, and a small percentage have various medical challenges not just E, but also, depression, various cancers, annorexia..

The job of mummy is often undervalued and appreciated.
 
Cint ..
From what I've read in your posts, you had a tough job in raising your kids, without much support from your Husband .. You have had the most important job being mum...
You would of been there for them, giving giving even with the Diabetes Blood Sugar Controlling and crappy Seizures.
You continue to be mum and maybe gran mum ...( not sure if you are)
That's a Fantastic job.
Be proud Cint.
 
Sometimes asking someone what they do (for a living) is just an attempt at polite conversation or just a conversation starter. Does my job define me.........not really and I would have to care about their opinion to allow that.

Zara there is another on here that is on that side of the pond and she has struggled with getting work as well. Elaine H is her id and maybe she can share her experiences with you. She is feisty but in a great way.

As for jobs, I am a project manager in IT. I am not sure what that really says about me so if someone can tell what that says about me please do. (no joke or sarcasm intended)
 
I have no doubt that it is polite conversation, it is just something that is automatically asked when someone is trying to get to know you.

But either way, if you don't have an answer ready you are judged.

My epilepsy is uncontrolled at the moment and my mother has terminal cancer, so if I don't want people to know about my epilepsy I have taken to saying that I care for my mother.
Because we have taken to caring for each other between our issues and bad days.

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I really enjoyed Austin Powers' business card : International Man of Mystery

Everyone should have cards (occupational descriptions) so glorious...

Cosmic Force for Good

or perhaps some related to E:

Laboratory Manager for the Study of Entropic Neurological Systems
Intrepid Explorer of Neurological Horizons
Certified Bioelectrical Storm Chaser

:paperbag:
 
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