How to portray long term unemployment into semi-retired "consulting"

[MatureDJ]

I was wondering how folks in my situation - unemployable (at anything decent, that is) in this depression, but with some cash in their retirement account (and/or unemployment insurance) that allows for a bare bones lifestyle - describe this situation to women. I like to think of myself as being a semi-retired consultant, getting the (very) occasional consulting gig. I am highly skilled (master's degree in a technical field), but just unemployable due to circumstances in the labor market (outsourcing and age discrimination.)

But when asked, "what do you do?", it's a bit awkward to say I'm a "semi-retired consultant." First, the word "retired" implies older age, which is generally not a good thing when pursuing the prized 22-30 demographic. However, the "consultant" part implies a steady career (even though it may be a lot more famine than feast.) I guess I could just say "consultant", but if the consultancy is a very low income generator, the "retired" part helps to imply that it's not super necessary to be successful, as there are resources to live on.

What do you think?

 

[zekko]

I think that's sounds brilliant actually.
The suggestion of "semi-retirement" at your age even implies that you are well off financially - or that you at least have some money socked away somewhere.

Of course if she hangs around she may wonder why you live so "bare bones" as you put it. Maybe you could convince her it's because you're a little eccentric.

 

[zekko]

double post

 

[Warrior74]

Consultant, or retired. I say choose one or the other.

semi-retired consultant sounds to wordy and to "rehearsed". Like Roissy says, stay laconic, it carries more power.

Anyway who cares what she thinks, if she digs you, she digs you. If she doesn't it won't matter what you do. No need to try to prove your provider status right?

 

[jophil28]

semi-retired consultant sounds to wordy and to "rehearsed". Like Roissy says, stay laconic, it carries more power.

Anyway who cares what she thinks, if she digs you, she digs you. If she doesn't it won't matter what you do. No need to try to prove your provider status right?

"Semi retired" also suggests that you have made plenty of money, and that you are 20 years ahead of all the other wage slave schlubs of your age.
Of course that image may be a little difficult to maintain when you take her to Sizzler on a free breakfast coupon because you are broke.


MatureOne, just tell them the truth but a leave out the negative aspects.

Focus on your past achievements and your education. Women are impressed with men's technical abilities because women have no mind for math or physics.

Accentuate the positives- eliminate the negatives...just like that old song said.

 

[Falcon25]

Lie! You are a full time consultant. What is the matter with you? Lie till she loves. Then, you can even be a serial psycopath and she won't care. Why? Welcome to the United States female population.

 

[SharinganUser]

Move to Asia and get a job teaching English and do some consulting on the side.

 

[window]

Stop trying to impress women...women are attracted to guys who genuinely dont give a ****. They secretly despise suplicating men. All your responses are supplicating. So for the next 20 girls you meet just tell them you're "unemployed and cant find a job"...who cares ! They'll say oh you poor thing thats terrible, THEN you can say na its no big deal I'm kinda digging it. Trust me if a chick is attracted to you she wont care what you do unless she is looking for a beta provider.

Remember guys live your life, if women show up great, if they dont no big deal.

 

[squirrels]

You're a xxxxx (whatever you used to do before the economy turned), but in a down-economy you got laid off, so you're consulting on the side while you look for better work. That's the truth, isn't it?

That doesn't sound so bad.

But stop coasting until your retirement runs out. If you want women, you have to be worthy of women. The jobs ARE still out there, they're just much more scarce and you have to put more effort into obtaining them than every other unemployed xxxx.

 

[Falcon25]

Stop trying to impress women...women are attracted to guys who genuinely dont give a ****. They secretly despise suplicating men. All your responses are supplicating. So for the next 20 girls you meet just tell them you're "unemployed and cant find a job"...who cares ! They'll say oh you poor thing thats terrible, THEN you can say na its no big deal I'm kinda digging it. Trust me if a chick is attracted to you she wont care what you do unless she is looking for a beta provider.

Remember guys live your life, if women show up great, if they dont no big deal.

Worst advice I have ever read. That's like "Just be yourself", which is the anti-pusvsy of all anti-puvsy's. Women love security, stability, and money. Take it from someone who was unemployed for a year and a half, YOU SHOULD LIE.

 

[Road Demon]

110% agree with Falcon 25. Don't mention unemployment. Don't mention retired.

Tell people women are a Consultant in your field. ie paid by each project, for you specific techical expertise so you work a few months, then take time off to travel/golf/ski/visit family/whatever in-between projects.

Use a Title like:

"Your Field" Research Consultant or Technical Consultant.

Some individuals choose to be Consultants making six figures depending on there field. ie Executive Search ' aka Headhunting' Consultants

 

[zekko]

110% agree with Falcon 25. Don't mention unemployment. Don't mention retired.

Tell people women are a Consultant in your field

That's probably the right answer.
Saying you're retired or semi-retired raises too many questions and expectations. Saying you're a consultant explains why you may not work regular hours. Then just avoid getting into in depth discussions about it. I never, and I mean never, discuss my work when I'm off duty. It's my free time, and I don't care to think about it.