“Not working” can refer to a variety of situations, typically involving unemployment, taking a break, or a specific phrase used to explain a career gap. It can be a difficult question to answer in social or professional settings.
Here are the different perspectives on “not working” based on your query: Ways to Tell People You Are Not Working
When asked in social situations, you can keep it simple and light, or pivot to another topic, according to discussions on Reddit and Quora.
“I’m taking some time off right now, what work are you doing?” Reddit · r/Adulting · 3 months ago
“I’m not working right now due to a chronic illness. I’d prefer not to talk about it.” Reddit · r/Adulting · 3 months ago
Pivot to Interests: “Work isn’t something I enjoy talking about, but I do enjoy [insert hobby/interest]…” Redirect the Question: “What do you spend your time doing?” Keep it Vague: “I’m focusing on some personal projects.” Answering “Why Aren’t You Working?” in Interviews
This question can feel accusatory, but it is often asked by interviewers according to Forbes. The best approach is to be direct, confident, and focus on the future.
“It was clear that it was time for me to leave my last job and I really wanted to focus on my job search, versus trying to juggle my job search with a very demanding full-time job.” LinkedIn · Liz Ryan · 10 years ago
Focus on the Goal: State that you are looking for the right opportunity, not just any opportunity.
Keep it Professional: Even if you were laid off or fired, focus on the gap as a time for personal development or strategic job searching. The “Not Working” Project
There is a specific project dedicated to documenting the stories of people experiencing unemployment. The “Not Working Project” allows people to submit their personal stories of losing their jobs or their experiences with unemployment. If a Boss Says You Are “Not Working”
If this is said in a workplace setting, it usually means your performance is not meeting expectations, according to Quora.
Ask for Clarification: “Are you referring to my productivity in this current project, or my overall performance?”
Show Your Work: List the projects you have been working on and provide data on the results, if possible.
Are you asking this because of a social situation, an interview, or a workplace issue? If you tell me more about the context, I can provide a more tailored answer.