topic Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired in Community Chat

Annoying comments people say when you're retired

KKJ — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 14:59:47 GMT

Am recently retired and find one of the most annoying things people ask me is "so what do you do all day?" Ugh!

And then when I mention a certain project/activity I'm involved in, they will respond with "well good, that will give you something to do." SMH

Anyone else find comments like these kind of insulting?

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

Shelbelle — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:04:42 GMT

When my DH rertired 10 years ago, my sis would say things like that or make him feel responsible for taking my Mom everywhere. He told her he is not available all the time, he did take on a part time job. That ended with the pandemic. I still work 3 half days a week, and still enjoy it. I would rather do that than run out to lunch all the time. That can get very boring too, at least for me.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

BlueFinch — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:08:23 GMT

I've had many people ask me this question. I just smile and respond, 'I do enough,' and drop it. I think they're just snooping and it's none of their business.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

Effie54 — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:09:22 GMT

I usually answer "do you know all those things that you don't have time to do? I do those.".

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

hckynutjohn — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:11:14 GMT

@KKJ wrote:
Am recently retired and find one of the most annoying things people ask me is "so what do you do all day?" Ugh!

And then when I mention a certain project/activity I'm involved in, they will respond with "well good, that will give you something to do." SMH

Anyone else find comments like these kind of insulting?

@KKJ

I have always been one to "speak right on up", be it a question or a comment.

I retired 31 years ago when I was 52 years old. When asked the same question posed to you?

"Nothing, and I do it whenever I want/for as long as I want".

hckynut 🇺🇸

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

mamaslittlepotato — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:14:25 GMT

I hear many retired people say they’re busier now than when they worked, especially with people asking for favors because the retired one is no longer spending their day at work. I can believe it.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

lgfan — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:15:12 GMT

I know what you mean. I am not retired but I am single without children. It still amazes me when people tell me I have no responsibilities. Yes I tell them the mortgage and car payment pay themselves I also say I eat for free and the housework and laundry also gets done on its own.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

Sooner — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:15:19 GMT

I am too happy and thankful to be retired and able to live on what I have right now to be looking to read something bad into things people say. It doesn't hurt me to let it go, but it might to stew on it.

They are just saying something because they don't have something good or clever in mind about being retired, and that's all I think about it.

I put myself in that position and think, gosh how would I respond 20 years ago? Might have said the same silly thing. I just feel blessed to have made it to retirement!

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

nova — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:17:47 GMT

@KKJ wrote:
Am recently retired and find one of the most annoying things people ask me is "so what do you do all day?" Ugh!

And then when I mention a certain project/activity I'm involved in, they will respond with "well good, that will give you something to do." SMH

Anyone else find comments like these kind of insulting?

I know exactly how you feel! My husband and I both recently retired but we are not living what people perceive as the stereotype dream of relaxation, vacation & free time! Instead we are "sandwiched" in between the the care of my husband's very elderly parents and time babysitting my very young grandchildren. And in addition we have house projects and our own doctor appointments. I keep a monthly calendar to keep everything organized.

Free time? Still a luxury!

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

QVCkitty1 — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:16:16 GMT

My answer is I do as I please.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

QVCkitty1 — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:17:09 GMT

@hckynutjohn wrote:
@KKJ wrote:
Am recently retired and find one of the most annoying things people ask me is "so what do you do all day?" Ugh!

And then when I mention a certain project/activity I'm involved in, they will respond with "well good, that will give you something to do." SMH

Anyone else find comments like these kind of insulting?

@KKJ

I have always been one to "speak right on up", be it a question or a comment.

I retired 31 years ago when I was 52 years old. When asked the same question posed to you?

"Nothing, and I do it whenever I want/for as long as I want".

hckynut 🇺🇸

@hckynutjohn , I love your answer !

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

Buffalogal47 — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:18:59 GMT

@hckynutjohn LOL! I love it! I say the same thing.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

deepwaterdotter — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:22:37 GMT

@Sooner wrote:
I am too happy and thankful to be retired and able to live on what I have right now to be looking to read something bad into things people say. It doesn't hurt me to let it go, but it might to stew on it.

They are just saying something because they don't have something good or clever in mind about being retired, and that's all I think about it.

I put myself in that position and think, gosh how would I respond 20 years ago? Might have said the same silly thing. I just feel blessed to have made it to retirement!

Exactly how I feel too.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

KKJ — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:24:31 GMT

I agree, I love @hckynutjohn's answer. Will have to use that one myself!

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

qvcfreak — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:28:32 GMT

I retired 2014 and went back to work in 2018.

I was extremely busy those 4 years I stayed home but instead of cramming projects and chores on weekends I now could plan my week. I could grocery shop during the week and garden in the mornings when it was cool.

And once a week my retired sisters and I would have lunch and either catch a movie or go to the nursery and our favorite pottery place.

I plan to leave work again in 3 years and can’t wait.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

Still Raining — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:30:04 GMT

It is only annoying if you let it be. Just smile and say "not much".

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

Laura14 — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:33:24 GMT

@lgfan wrote:
I know what you mean. I am not retired but I am single without children. It still amazes me when people tell me I have no responsibilities. Yes I tell them the mortgage and car payment pay themselves I also say I eat for free and the housework and laundry also gets done on its own.

@lgfan Amen! They have a spouse and/or kids to help. We singles do it all ourselves with no family plan discounts on anything at all ever.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

SilleeMee — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:35:47 GMT

I say I'm doing more stuff now than when I was working b/c now I have to do all the things which I paid others to do for me when I was working.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

amyb — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:38:44 GMT

@Effie54 wrote:
I usually answer "do you know all those things that you don't have time to do? I do those.".

😆 Great answer! That ought to quiet them right up.

Re: Annoying comments people say when you're retired

millieshops — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:42:40 GMT

@KKJ twenty years into retirement and some evenings I ask myself " what did you do today?" I like me best when I like the answer to my own question.

When the question comes from someone I consider a onset Nellie, my stock answer is "It's a secret."