- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF 2023 from Bayonne.
Camino Podiensis & CF 2026
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I like that suggestion very much. I like it. I certain don't want to seem prickly. I may leave out the "clinic" part though as I may be asked what kind of clinic. Maybe just say a receptionist in an office.Why not just tell them you are (or were) a receptionist at a clinic? This is one of those "kind" lies, rather than your suggested response, which sounds a little prickly. I knew a doctor that used this one, only confessing the truth when they got to know people better.
Buen Camino
I find this response to be a bit "prickly" as you say, since it seems to tell the person that they have asked an inappropriate question. @Rick M's suggestion was good - figure out some words that work for you - that you can use easily and consistently, even have a bit of conversation, and such that you don't feel like total liar. Mentioning the clinic shouldn't be a problem, and since it is closer to the truth, you should find it easier to deal with. If people ask you more, then you can change the topic by saying "Let's not talk about work" but you have not outright rejected the original friendly enquiry."I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today."
If there is - you can always retort back with "an offer they can't refuse"I just tell people I am the "Don" of a Tribe. Most of the time there isn't a follow-up question
Hello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
I appreciate the response. This is why I asked the forum..when you are stuck in your own head for ideas, they are not always reflective of who you are or want to relay. I guess my "canned" answer came from a place where here in my hometown, most people that know what I do cannot help themselves (or clients I see out of my work environment). I am constantly asked on my days off, on vacations or summer trailer...'I know you are off but I have this thing...."I find this response to be a bit "prickly" as you say, since it seems to tell the person that they have asked an inappropriate question. @Rick M's suggestion was good - figure out some words that work for you - that you can use easily and consistently, even have a bit of conversation, and such that you don't feel like total liar. Mentioning the clinic shouldn't be a problem, and since it is closer to the truth, you should find it easier to deal with. If people ask you more, then you can change the topic by saying "Let's not talk about work" but you have not outright rejected the original friendly enquiry.
It isn't. I'll let good judgement and consideration for others guide me on that one.I understand very well that you don’t want to talk about work while being on the Camino – I wouldn’t either. On the other hand, you are in a position to provide help to other pilgrims, and that is not so bad.
I don't know if that is true. Doesn't it depend more how you meet them? If you meet a person on a walk, you are likely to talk about walking. If you meet them on the commute to work, you are likely to talk about your commute and that will lead to a question about work. Perhaps Americans (and Canadians) are less restrained in asking personal questions in general, but that can be considered either positive (friendly and open) or negative (nosy and classifying), depending on the circumstances.it is just not as common a question when people meet each other, at least in my experience, in plenty of other parts of the world... (don’t know about Canada — C clearly?
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound?
I'm sure that @Dani7 will assist another pilgrim in an emergency with her professional skills but she's not on the Camino to provide professional services for free and I can fully understand that she wants to disconnect from her daily life, as so many on the camino do. The locals have responded to the demand and offer such services against modest payment (compared to "home"), at least on the Camino Frances in my experience, in addition to regular local health care providers.I understand very well that you don’t want to talk about work while being on the Camino – I wouldn’t either. On the other hand, you are in a position to provide help to other pilgrims, and that is not so bad.
What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do
On my CF in 2017 and my CI last year, I was never asked and it never came up, Yay!Hello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
The "this is what I love to do" angle is great and works best for me. Although my career was technical in nature, my passion and natural talent is carpentry. If I come across another woodworker, then we are likely to have a great conversation.Perhaps you have a hobby that you could fit in? If you are a reader, say you work at a library or book store. If you are crafty, perhaps you work at a fabric store or art gallery. Etc etc. This leaves open the possibility that a conversation may result in a shared passion and at least you know something about the topic.
That is reassuring and good to know.In my experience for the most part nobody really talks about work while walking the Camino, and only occasionally is what someone actually does asked. Personally I never ask anyone what they do for a living.
you could say "if I told you then I'd have to kill you" . my husband says that alotHello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
With a smile on your face, “Well, right now my job is to walk. How is your’s going?”
Que in 007 James Bond ThemeMaybe "I work for an intelligence agency."?
Everyone I ever met who I thought might always seemed to have another job. So I assume that anyone who says they do will also have another job too!Maybe "I work for an intelligence agency."?
Exactly!I don't understand needing to come up with an answer, let alone lying to avoid the issue. Do people really want to cultivate deceit? It may be a small thing, but small things spread and no lie is harmless.
Anyone could be liable if they cause harm I suppose. My liability insurance coverage is only for Ontario, Canada. When what you do professionally is care for people it does get to a point where you have to take a long break at some point in your career. In my work, emotions can come up with some patients and you would be surprised at how much they tell. You listen with compassion and empathy but do need to keep an emotional safety zone for yourself or you will burn out. With all the positive and even funny comments on this thread I feel confident that I will rest and still be open to whatever the Camino shows and teaches me.Is this merely a matter of liability insurance or of an unwillingness to be defined by one’s work? Off-duty priests, politicians, bankers, corporate lawyers and counsellors might also prefer not to disclose their profession to fellow pilgrims.
I'm sure that @Dani7 will assist another pilgrim in an emergency with her professional skills
but she's not on the Camino to provide professional services
and I can fully understand that she wants to disconnect from her daily life, as so many on the camino do.
"A que te dedicas" is what people in Mexico would say if they are asking you what you do for a living. I think you would probably say it like that in Spain also but I am not sure. Buen CaminoIn fact, I remember many times hearing the question ¿qué haces? (What do you do OR What are you doing) and realizing that the speaker was not asking me what I thought I was being asked, but was rather asking me what I was doing at the moment!
Good answer to give. I think one thing that many pilgrims learn almost instinctually is to know to respect people's boundaries and their privacy. I learned really quickly on my first camino when people wanted to be conversant regarding a problem or something they wanted to discuss that was personal and when someone just wants you to listen. In November my friends and I invited a German Pilgrim that came into our restaurant. It was the only place in town that was open. We had all seen him at various times and it was always a Buen Camino and nothing more. We had a chair at our table and invited him over. After a few minutes of talking I asked him if this was his first Camino, it was, and I asked him if him why he wanted to walk. His head went down and he mumbled something. I said to him, that is a great reason to walk, my friend said Perfect! We immediately changed the subject. It wasn't hard to pick up on the fact he had no desire to talk about it. After that moment I never asked anyone that question again. It is the second time that has happened. From than on and for all future caminos I will just wait for someone to volunteer that information.I don't understand needing to come up with an answer, let alone lying to avoid the issue. Do people really want to cultivate deceit? It may be a small thing, but small things spread and no lie is harmless.
Why not deflect the question to the camino? @NorthernLight has a wonderful solution:
As Faith says, this question isn't everyone's default. I was often crossing paths a lovely youngish guy and was surprised to learn when we parted company at the end of the camino that he was a judge. Who knew?
And the joy of the camino is...who cares? So if people are being sticky beaks, or are just insensitive, it's not necessary to answer their questions. Kind distraction works very well.
Since I am new to all this I don’t know what to expect. I am understanding more now based on all the responses.Have you considered that no-one will be interested in what you do, I've never been asked my profession in 4 Caminos. If your asked make something up, divert attention or just ignore. I expect you'll be first to volunteer the information as you'll no doubt let the cat out of the bag over a pilgrim meal influenced by vino tinto. Don't sweat the small stuff pilgrim
I do work for a national security agency but when people ask what I do there, I tell them I can't tell them. They typically say the "then you'd have to kill me" joke to which I reply, "Worse. You'd have to work for us." And, that is usually that.Maybe "I work for an intelligence agency."?
Oh, I can think of questions to ask if a stage manager. But I will leave you in peace.Take the pressure off "coming up with a story" and just be honest with what you do. If anyone asks for advice, tell them that you don't practice your profession away from your place of work and especially not when you're on a break. I would think most would understand and for those that don't, well...walk on! I don't recall many people asking me what I did for a living - the few that did were usually people I had walked with for some time and the question came later as part of an expanding friendship. Though...I guess I wouldn't have the same possible problem as you @Dani7 - not many people asking for advice from a stage manager
And if not then you can pull out a pen and small notebook and start asking them questions. Probably even more effective if the questions have been printed on paper with a letterhead.I do work for a national security agency but when people ask what I do there, I tell them I can't tell them. They typically say the "then you'd have to kill me" joke to which I reply, "Worse. You'd have to work for us." And, that is usually that.
I will assume you have a computer in your office. Since hardly anyone if anyone at all has a computer with them, tell them you work with computers. Technically true basically a lie. Worked for me but in my case it was the truth. However, when I retired my daughter bought me a t-shirt that said, 'No I will not fix your computer'. Proved invaluable at home but no one asked me to fix one on the caminoHello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?
I will assume you have a computer in your office. Since hardly anyone if anyone at all has a computer with them, tell them you work with computers. Technically true basically a lie. Worked for me but in my case it was the truth. However, when I retired my daughter bought me a t-shirt that said, 'No I will not fix your computer'. Proved invaluable at home but no one asked me to fix one on the camino
On the one hand, I don't think that kind of question comes up as frequently as it does in off-Camino social gatherings. So I wouldn't dwell on it too much.Hello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
Once upon a time, decades ago, I was living in Madrid teaching English. Among my classes, there were a number for different Spanish government ministries. And among these, a very beginner class, was with the Ministry of Defense, Intelligence Division. One of the lessons was on the different professions. Based on that lesson, I can assure you that what you are more likely to hear from someone who works for an intelligence agency is "I am a civil servant" or maybe "I am a kind of policeman" than "I work for an intelligence agency."Maybe "I work for an intelligence agency."?
Talk about people in glass houses throwing stones!When I walked last year I was unwillingly retired and very sensitive about it at the start. On the third day I met and spoke with a young Ozzie woman who asked me what I did and I simply said that I was retired. She then asked "retired what?" I avoided the question.
For some reason that really bugged her and she persisted in asking me. Eventually her persistence wore me down and I told her that I was a researcher that specialised in applying artificial intelligence techniques to recognising human movement.
She obviously wasn't expecting that answer and thought quietly about my answer for some time. Eventually she restarted the conversation and I asked her what she did?
She refused to answer. Feeling a bit flummoxed, I also persisted. She also eventually answered, saying that she was a registered masseuse. Without thinking I asked her why she was unwillingly to tell me. She said "can't you guess? What do you think would happen if I told everyone that I was a masseuse?" Only then did I click!
Probably best to keep that profession under your hat, as you have suggested.
Let me start by saying I don't work in one of my country's intelligence agencies. Nor, for that matter, in any of yours!! However, all the bland answer that one is a public servant (aka civil servant) does is invite further intrusive enquiries. The mere fact that one works in the public sector seems to give rise to a view by the inquisitor that even the minutest details of one's work life should also be public, and are fair and reasonable subjects for discussion. Fortunately, Australia has not chosen to use the term civil servant for state employees generally, because there have been times when I have struggled to be even moderately polite to some fellow pilgrims whose persistence on such matters extended well into the realm of rudeness.Once upon a time, decades ago, I was living in Madrid teaching English. Among my classes, there were a number for different Spanish government ministries. And among these, a very beginner class, was with the Ministry of Defense, Intelligence Division. One of the lessons was on the different professions. Based on that lesson, I can assure you that what you are more likely to hear from someone who works for an intelligence agency is "I am a civil servant" or maybe "I am a kind of policeman" than "I work for an intelligence agency."
I wasn't suggesting that the OP would reply with "I'm a civil servant". (Although that is how I would now reply, if asked. And I do try to remain civil. Otherwise, I'm just a public servant.) It was just a comment based on a particular lesson decades ago when we were talking about vocabulary for people's work (doctor, teacher, etc.) and, as suggested by the lesson plan, I asked some of them what they do.Let me start by saying I don't work in one of my country's intelligence agencies. Nor, for that matter, in any of yours!! However, all the bland answer that one is a public servant (aka civil servant) does is invite further intrusive enquiries. The mere fact that one works in the public sector seems to give rise to a view by the inquisitor that even the minutest details of one's work life should also be public, and are fair and reasonable subjects for discussion. Fortunately, Australia has not chosen to use the term civil servant for state employees generally, because there have been times when I have struggled to be even moderately polite to some fellow pilgrims whose persistence on such matters extended well into the realm of rudeness.
This issue isn't limited to pilgrims. Some of you will have guessed that I live in what was a predominantly public service town in times past, so there is always a natural curiosity about what arm of government one works in and what one does there. However, most people take a hint if one suggests a different subject for discussion. After all, none of them want their security clearance - that licence to work for or in government departments so vital to many here - threatened by being reported as a suspicious contact!
So I am sympathetic with the OP's concern about revealing a profession that would generate unwelcome levels of intrusion, including the seemingly inevitable requests for free advice, or even free service delivery, that medical and allied service providers in particular have to fend off in what should be pleasant social circumstances.
I don't think that kind of question comes up as frequently as it does in off-Camino social gatherings.
I agree with both these statements. Virtually any question (maybe all?) should be posed with sensitivity! For example all of the following questions can get you into trouble if you persist, or if the recipient is very sensitive for some reason, but usually they are innocent and casual enquiries:However, most people take a hint if one suggests a different subject for discussion.
I didn't think you were. I was commenting about my past experiences being relatively open about my profession in light of your earlier post and the OP's concern about this matter.I wasn't suggesting that the OP would reply with "I'm a civil servant".
I’m laughing because these are probably the more frequent questions one would get. And unfortunately, I seem to jane developed a snore.I agree with both these statements. Virtually any question (maybe all?) should be posed with sensitivity! For example all of the following questions can get you into trouble if you persist, or if the recipient is very sensitive for some reason, but usually they are innocent and casual enquiries:
- Where are you from? (either today, or where you live, or where you were born)
- How far have you walked? (either today or since starting this pilgrimage)
- What do you do? (e.g. occupation)
- Why are you walking the camino?
- Are you married? (and any follow-up questions)
- How heavy is your pack?
- Do you snore?
Sorry, that was a 'rose coloured glasses' moment. There are clearly places where government service is used to line the pockets of those involved in some way or other. Whether it be petty backhanders or more systemic rorting of weaknesses in the governance arrangements, we are not a world free of public sector graft and corruption.And let me add that public service is a (relatively) honourable profession in my country, as I suspect it still is across the world despite some of the hard knocks it gets in public discussion.
I've never heard myself snore! Nor have all the people who assertively claim not to, despite contributing to the albergue dormitory snorechestra every night.Do you snore?
All the responses have most definitely made me more relaxed. I’m sure my question is as also based on personal experience here at home whenever my profession is known.Interesting. The thread. I can’t imagine not telling the truth about my job. I have no idea if people asked me. Of the people I walked along with, shared meaningful times with, I have no idea what they did for a living. That is not what stays with me. Oh, no! I tell a lie! There was a group of four lovely young women we fell in step with on the first camino. They taught us a lot about cleaning aeroplanes in between flights. However, their wonderful humour and joy and delight at what they were doing together in walking the camino was what stuck, When I came to live in Ireland, I learned eventually that when asked, how are you? I was not actually being asked what those words meant to me. It was a way of saying hello. That’s all. So, maybe for some people it is just an opener, as was suggested above. Maybe, though, given the fact that it is enough of a concern for you to seek opinions, you might say something like: well, you know, that question is one I am trying to forget the answer to while on my camino. Then, ask if the one who asks the question ever makes bread, and see if you can swap recipes. Or whatever. Of course, it has to be true! Otherwise you will walk yourself into a web of deceit.... and I am already tired listening to my own effort to help you avoid talking about what you prefer not to talk about! I hope that by now you are already much more relaxed about the whole thing. What did you say your job was, again?....
All the responses have most definitely made me more relaxed
With a smile on your face, “Well, right now my job is to walk. How is your’s going?”
Hello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
[/QUOTE
Hi, Just tell the truth and in the same sentence that you are on vacation and do not have a visa to work in Spain.
I was going to offer the same suggestion. If there is a follow up question you can say that you manage the books for a medical practice. That should do it. I have recently retired from a profession that I don’t want to talk about either. I usually give a brief sideways answer immediately followed by the same question, “How about you, Paul, what do you do?” and a quick follow up, “So how does that work in Quebec?”Tell them you are an accountant. I know from many years experience that usually ends a conversation fairly quickly.
We walked the Via Podiensis in 2017 and the question didn’t come up once until about 4 weeks in..... loved it.In my experience for the most part nobody really talks about work while walking the Camino, and only occasionally is what someone actually does asked. Personally I never ask anyone what they do for a living.
I had a French professor in France who advised that it was considered quite rude to ask about someone’s job. He said he had friends whose jobs he never knew and would never consider asking. You can safely ask about their political positions and would expect to discuss issues of the day, but never anything so crass as what job they had.
Perhaps it stemmed from the Revolution and tearing down class divisions.
I respect your choice. Buen future Camino.I too am a Remedial Massage Therapist and I was due to start my pilgrimage in 2 weeks. I was going to offer fellow walkers who were struggling, a foot massage as I go, as a way to connect and earn a little Euro on the way. Yes I understand we cannot go anywhere without someone asking " I know you are on holiday but could you just give this spot a little rub". It is very frustrating, as yes we want to switch off too. However on the Camino I am willing to help out fellow Pilgrims who are having aching feet issues. When I will be able to reschedule my walk....... who knows.
I like your post. I was once advised , as I prefer not to talk about my profession, to simply say I am a flautist and leave it at that. Of course I never took the advice and, in explaining why I didn’t want to talk about my profession, ended up doing precisely that. There’s no escaping our life choices.Hello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
Good idea. i should do that too as when people find out what I did they ask too many questions.Hello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
Lots of good ideas given and suggestions. My biggest takeaway is that while in the Camino most pilgrims don’t ask and/or is a cultural faux pas. I’ll use the KISS principle and keep it real while behind kind to those in dire need.Good idea. i should do that too as when people find out what I did they ask too many questions.
As long as you ask (and you did ask), Say "Hospital administration". And shrug, like "it's such a boring job, what can do you". If you don't want to give massages, bandage your hands. In three Caminos and dozens of pilgrim conversations, I scarcely knew anyone's profession, nor they mine. Executive Secretary: Not one person asked me to make coffee or type a letter. Wow! They were ... pilgrims. First names, a country of origin. I knew a woman who handled the snow in Roncesvalles so well she laughed, said she was a Canadian lobster fisherman's daughter and this snow was nothing compared to back home! And not one single person at our table at dinner that night asked her for recipes for how best to cook lobster. Isn't that amazing!Hello everyone
Been thinking about this for awhile now. What will I tell peregrinos when they ask me what kind of work I do or did (the may assume I am retired with my head of mostly white hair, but I am not)? You see, I am a Canadian registered massage therapist (the profession is regulated in Canada for over 100 years now and has its own regulatory College) and a licensed osteopathic practitioner (osteopathy is not regulated in Canada, however you do need liability insurance as you do with massage, and also be a member of an approved, credible association (which monitors closely osteopathic college curriculums) in order for patients to be reimbursed by their insurance providers.
Can you imagine if I tell fellow pilgrims my line of work?I would be asked for opinions, evaluate "bobos" (french slang for aches and pains), and a multitude of other scenarios (especially potential discussions about feet). I have chosen not to provide any professional opinion of this forum regarding medical questions as I am not comfortable doing so. Too many unknowns regarding medical history etc.
...and so I think I have come up with a good reply should I be asked: "I would prefer not to talk about work on my Camino as I need to disconnect from my professional life and just focus on today." How does that sound? Any suggestions are more than welcomed...please show some restraint on the "tongue in cheek/funny" commentsmy bladder can be weak at times !
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