How busy is your life other than just working?

I notice that if you have a busy lifestyle, people tends to respect you MORE in a way .

If you lead a carefree and easy lifestyle, people judge you in another BAD way.

Why is it so?

My life story : I had rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 9 years old, throughout childhood and teenage life, been through relapses and remission and relaspes and so on. At the age of 21, I contracted osteoporosis. Despite having all these chronic illnesses, I managed to study hard and get myself a diploma certificate in Chemical Engineering. It’s never easy as during the times when I was studying, i had relaspes of my illnesses and I self study alot.

Finally, I graduated at 21 and got myself a job. I wasn’t easy for me to commit to full time job basis as 8 hours as it is really a strain to my body . I worked in the society for 3 years and i quit. I became a private tutor teaching young children. I worked alone, managed my time according to my own needs.Being a full time tutor, the money was good and I don’t really have to work 8 hours per day. Every Monday to me is like a new day for me, there’s no Monday blues for me.

Besides giving private tuition, i basically just enjoy doing my leisures. I have alot of free times to be precise. I did not want to strain myself much as I feel I had really suffered alot in the past and i feel i should really relax and enjoy life now.

All my friends dragged Monday as they work 8 hours per day. I noticed some changes in my friends when they found out I quit my 8 hours job and became a private tutor. It seemed to me, they see red eyes or they just find me I’m a plain and lazy gal. (to them, they sees me very free)

What’s wrong with being free and enjoying my life?
I had SUFFERED and i’m happy being a private tutor, good money and you have times for your hobbies. What’s wrong with that? Due to that, i had friends who slowly drain away from me.

Do i really have to act busy so that i can EARN some respect from you??
I’m 30 and had no intention to marry or have a child given my chronic illnesses. Do not want to be a burden to anyone.

I understand what your saying…

I used to have a great job,high ranking professional,worked all the time,and everyone treated me with the up-most respect.

When my mother became ill,I had to make changes in my life to care for her.So I started working from home,while she was living everyone thought this was so noble of me to make such a sacrifice.

After her death,I decided to continue to work from home.I have a young child and wanted to be there for her.

Things are no longer the same with family and friends.

I have decided some comes from jealously,but also when you are not out in the "real"world you do change a bit.
You are more relaxed,don’t always keep up with current events,can’t relate to your friends about what they go through with their jobs,and sacrifices they make.

Think about it…Do they have the time you have and what do friends usually talk about?
Problems with work,managers,employees,child care,homework,cooking dinner,cleaning house,dealing with spouses,all these things can be work related problems-it’s difficult to show empathy or offer advice when you have not or are not experiencing these things.

There’s nothing wrong with the life you have chosen,you just need to find new friends that share the same common interest and situations.
Don’t take it personal,believe it or not they are not trying to insult you,and probably have no idea they are.

Change is never ending….Good Luck and Chin Up!