> Most people assumed, seriously, I was just being shy about explaining I was unemployed at that moment
That's not limited to Singapore. My mom basically decided I was 'unemployed' roughly up until the point that I employed her (after running a middling successful company for about 2 decades...). People will think whatever they want, just ignore it and concentrate on the work rather than on whatever social recognition you derive from running your own company.
And besides, for some part of my career being 'unemployed' and 'running my own company' might as well have been synonymous so maybe she was on to something after all ;).
That's not limited to Singapore. My mom basically decided I was 'unemployed' roughly up until the point that I employed her (after running a middling successful company for about 2 decades...). People will think whatever they want, just ignore it and concentrate on the work rather than on whatever social recognition you derive from running your own company.
And besides, for some part of my career being 'unemployed' and 'running my own company' might as well have been synonymous so maybe she was on to something after all ;).