Nice piece Natasha! Oscar Wilde once said, "I have always been of the opinion that hard work is simply the refuge of people who have nothing whatever to do." What he says may be largely applicable to office-going men folk, they also bring in that culture into their house. Over the past 1 year, I have been living the life of 'stay-at-home' son catering to the needs of ailing parents. Then, i continue to have the liberty to choose the menu, cooking style, to cook or not, go out for meeting friends etc., - All deprived to my mom for over 35 years. The pressure to do domestic work has been more stressful than any of the corporate jobs that I have undertaken leading to stress break-downs occasionally. There is more to all of us than what we do - at work or at home!
I needed this today, thanks Natasha. I have been a "working woman " for years. And have been asked that dreaded question "What do you do?" always. Only now that I don't go to work, I need time to formulate a response to that question, everytime, even after all these years.
I wonder why we don't get asked questions like "What's your favourite colour?" or "What do you love doing?" when we meet someone. Would'nt such questions lead to more interesting conversations?
We want to know each other, find connections. Specially with women, we know there are vast, complex, tender stories hidden in the answer to what all do you do.
Nice piece Natasha! Oscar Wilde once said, "I have always been of the opinion that hard work is simply the refuge of people who have nothing whatever to do." What he says may be largely applicable to office-going men folk, they also bring in that culture into their house. Over the past 1 year, I have been living the life of 'stay-at-home' son catering to the needs of ailing parents. Then, i continue to have the liberty to choose the menu, cooking style, to cook or not, go out for meeting friends etc., - All deprived to my mom for over 35 years. The pressure to do domestic work has been more stressful than any of the corporate jobs that I have undertaken leading to stress break-downs occasionally. There is more to all of us than what we do - at work or at home!
Thanks!
I needed this today, thanks Natasha. I have been a "working woman " for years. And have been asked that dreaded question "What do you do?" always. Only now that I don't go to work, I need time to formulate a response to that question, everytime, even after all these years.
I wonder why we don't get asked questions like "What's your favourite colour?" or "What do you love doing?" when we meet someone. Would'nt such questions lead to more interesting conversations?
We want to know each other, find connections. Specially with women, we know there are vast, complex, tender stories hidden in the answer to what all do you do.
But socially, this question can be cancelled. :)
Thank you for your thoughtful sharing.