Clients Ask "What Do You Do On Those Days Off"?

[Jesse S]

Hi.

I have a pretty nice clientele. For the most part they are just trying to be friendly. But, I am noticing that because I only work 4 days a week, I am getting a number of people who want to know "what I am doing so many days off". Now part of the reason for being in 4 days a week, is that I have a 50 min. commute either way, and that I can fit my clientele into 4 days, which leaves me with time to get some other contract work in and minimzing the time I am gone late at night (now-days). It also gives me time to take care of "business" without taking more of it home at night.

To be honest, I am not "off" hardly at all. I have a long long story behind all of that, and am just now finally starting to get myself in the window of being caught up in life, monetary-wise and emotionally-wise after a LOT of years. I am a very hard worker and have always done what it takes to make ends meet. But honestly, that is what I am doing... barely making ends meet. Now, for some people that means living in a hovel, and for others that means having 1/2 a million in the bank that they can get to if they need it, but would rather not.

I am exactly at the point where I live in a decent apt. (not fancy, just decent), drive an older vehicle (but I am blessed it works and isn't falling apart), can put food on the table, but basically live off of the "cheap stuff", and put everything I can back into a small practice to make sure when a client comes in, they are in a nice clean place. Of course, since I don't have too much, the office isn't lavish, just nice. All other monies go into bills, bills and more bills (d/t a few events in my life such as school loans and hospital issues -- I don't believe in not paying back debts). I don't run off to the movies every weekend, or eat out regularly, or go to "events". I also don't have a savings, and I don't buy lots of cloths. I am not complaining, I am just telling you where I stand in this. Personally, I think I am blessed, as things could be a heck of a lot worse and seem to be slowly motoring in the right direction.

So, during the time out of the office, I am either picking up part time work, working on old stuff that has to eventually get completed, or trying for once in a long time to get a little rest in order to stay healthy.

What I am having an issue with is trying to not go into the above rig-a-ma-role with the few who (in my opinion) ask the above mentioned questioning in a very nosey manner. As if, I am goofing off.

I know it may not be their business as to what I am doing, but the question, when asked in a certain way, always makes me feel like I have to defend myself and give explanation as to just what I am doing with that time. I have a number of clients who have it fairly easy on the monitary side (usually the ones who ask) who just don't understand how hard I have been working all this while. And I guess I have a sore spot for people who think I am goofing off when I am not.

Help me! I would like some suggestions as to how to handle this a little more easier and with minimal explanation, but still letting these people know, I am not in their league. Or does it even matter?

 

[Crybaby Bob]

My gut reaction, not that I would say it, is "What business is it of yours".

Maybe, you could sweetly say, "Why do you ask?" letting them know that it's isn't any of their business.

If they push further, let them know that you ARE a business owner and there is a lot of work that goes on outside of the therapy room. The nuts and bolts of running a business.

 

[crazy candy]

I used to get comments like that when I worked for the DC. I would come in at 10 and leave at 1, but if I had no appointments I would leave early.
After a while I had appointments of my own at home to do. So when a client would comment about having the rest of the day off I would respond with "Just because I am leaving here, doesn't mean I am not working. There is always work to be done."

But, it really is none of their business.
Guess they are just jealous that we have such great jobs!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Clients Ask "What Do You Do On Those Days Off"

Help me! I would like some suggestions as to how to handle this a little more easier and with minimal explanation, but still letting these people know, I am not in their league. Or does it even matter?

The first thought that comes to me is that you are too emotionally attached to that scenario. When it really does not bother you (literally nonexistent, down deep in your core and heart), it won't matter. For example having a problem with the word masseuse, if you don't have a problem with the word, it doesn't matter how many times you hear it, it just rolls off your back.

I feel, too, that there is always something to learn in situations that make us feel uncomfortable. The situation manifests for a reason. Personal growth maybe. Don't be so quick to make it about them.

Relish in your free time, feel different inside about it and watch the transformation of that scenario. At this point you will feel free to share with your clients maybe some really great things that you do with your time "off." With a very light heart. If you like music or photography, take some quality photos, have them nicely framed and display them at your office - to share with your clients. Turn it around and make it positive, make it work for you!

Just some thoughts...hopefully I have not stepped on your toes (where'd that smoocher-smiley get to?) .

 

[Pompal 09.]

Recuperating so that I do the very best job I can with every client, every time. :twisted:

 

[flower2008]

I agree with MassageHound. You're sounding a bit defensive there! I think the number of spelling mistakes shows how emotional you're feeling about it LOL

Basically, you are saying you are available for appointments at your business 4 days a week. If someone asks what you're doing the rest of the time, here are some options
- paperwork (even if you usually do it in the 4 days) accounts, researching research, continuing education, investigating products,
- this job is very physically demanding, it's not like a desk job, you can't do it 7 days a week (even if you are)
- sick relative you visit out of town every week (even if there isn't one)
- why do you ask?
- work in another location close to home one day a week (even if you don't) - if they say they'd like like to change locations, say it's finishing shortly, not sure what you will do then

There is nothing more to expand on, no need for conversation. Just remember which line you're going to use and use it on everyone. If you let it wash over you, they won't feel like they need details.

 

[sarah p]

I think that you should smile, :wink: and reply that it's bon bons and soap operas for you on the days that you aren't in that office. That should stop the questioning. Besides which, you don't owe them any kind of explanation.
Lisa

 

[california_love]

bon bons and soap operas

I love it! t038

 

[Jared]

I like the bon-bons and soaps too!

But in all seriousness, we all have lives just like everyone else who doesn't do massage. Laundry, dishes, cleaning, bills, kids, school, ect. It may not be any of their business, but then we don't live glamour lives by any stretch of the imagination either! They are probably curious because they realize that you must do more than massage four days a week. (How could you possibly make a living on just that? :shock: ) I wouldn't feel too defensive about it, but then again don't be ashamed that you are home on that "fifth day" either. What we do can be very demanding, and the body needs rest now and then just to keep up with the demands that massage can put us through, not to mention our daily lives. I'm sure that once you put it to them that way, they may understand a little better why you "only work four days a week."[/i]

 

[Yakov Smirnov]

*hehe* melb - you know how I am... I get frustrated, type too fast and then can't spell worth beans.

I am pretty emotionally attached to this, and see that I need to let it go. Thanks for all of the comments everyone regarding that.

I ususally tell them:

- paperwork and accounts & work in another location because it actually is what I am doing... and also many times on the 6th day as well.

But, it get's old telling people this... probably because I really WOULD like to rest more!

So, again... thank you to everyone and keep 'em coming.... I particularly like "Why do you ask?", but it may be a hard one for me to use, and I have a tendency to start opening my mouth before I think!

Thanks ya'll. More! More!

 

[Chris Newbie]

i get alot of this as a mobile therapist. i think they think my business isn't really 'real' because i dont have an office.

mostly i tell them that my life isn't any different than theirs. there's always laundry, the bank, groceries, marketing, bookkeeping, and paperwork... not to mention having a family life.

some ask me how many i do a day or week. it seems some want to know how physical it is, and others seem to want to calculate my income.
one woman i have seen exactly twice wanted to know why my husband and i don't have children.

i try to be vague and brush off what i consider to be intrusive questions from a mostly well-meaning person, and usually turn the conversation to them.