The phrase “not working” can refer to a few different situations, usually centering around career boundaries, unemployment, or poor professional performance. 1. The Professional “Not Working” (Setting Boundaries)
In professional settings, saying “that’s not working” or “not my job” often needs to be done carefully.
Rephrasing it: Instead of saying “that’s not working,” try offering a solution or alternative.
Setting limits: You can gracefully say: “The project sounds exciting, but I don’t think I have the capacity to take on this responsibility outside of my usual tasks”. 2. The Career Gap “Not Working” (Unemployment)
Explaining why you aren’t working—whether to an employer or a curious acquaintance—can feel overwhelming, but keeping it brief and confident helps.
Job Interviews: Focus on what you are looking for rather than dwelling on the past. You might say: “It was time for me to leave my last job, and I wanted to focus entirely on my job search rather than juggle it with a demanding full-time job”.
Social Settings: You don’t owe anyone an explanation. You can simply say, “I’m in the middle of a career transition and exploring my next steps”. 3. Personal or Toxic Environments (Burnout)
Sometimes “not working” means your current job is actively harming your well-being, which is often a sign of burnout.
Warning signs: These can include dreading work, experiencing physical exhaustion, or not feeling valued.