What is a "professional?"

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I've been looking through apartment listings lately where persons describe themselves as "professionals." These professionals are invariably looking for other "professionals" with whom to co-habitate.

I've also considered attending the Young Professionals Society in my area to meet people.

The one thing that's confused me in both instances is the use of that word, and whether or not I would qualify.

What makes a "professional?" I'd think anyone looking for roommates in these cheap apartments can't be making that much money...

I guess if you have a job.... that's my best guess anyways.

Maybe you'll find out at the meeting.

Maybe that's their polite way of saying "No Lazy Jobless Students"? The last apartment building I lived in had a "no full-time students" policy. I was told it had something to do with government subsidy requirements and blah blah blah. I'm not a student, so I didn't really pay attention.

Professional is taken to mean a person who has obtained a degree in a professional field and who has a vocation founded upon specialized educational training. Examples of professions include: teaching, medicine, law, engineering and social work.

So what they're saying is, they refuse to room with anyone who is not a white-collar worker with a four-year degree?

I can't help but find that kind of elitist.

As well as damaging to my housing prospects.

In the '90s they were called yuppies, and I guess they're back.

Probably



There is probably an element of elitism involved as well as trying to avoid pulling in someone who's likely to be bored at home, and as a result find ways to make the living space irritating. Like having many (or loud) friends over too long at a time, too often; smoking; or in otherwise being a slob.

In terms of apartment rentals, I'd assume "professional" means steady employment of a white collarish variety. A "Young Professionals Society" might be a bit more demanding in terms of income level.

At its loosest definition, a professional is someone doing a particular task for money, whereas an amateur is doing it for amusement.

At a loose definition, a professional is someone doing a job which requires a significant qualification. This is what the people advertising mean by the word, with implied elitism.

Alternatively, a professional is someone who takes their job seriously. This is what I would usually mean by the word.

It can have many meanings, but in the context of someone describing oneself, I would assume that they have a higher degree, and work in a white collar environment. On the other hand, a plumber, mechanic, or electrician, while blue collar, can be referred to as "a professional" when you discuss whether to do something yourself or have your neighbor do it, or "call a professional". And it may not have anything to do with their income level. College professors are highly-degreed professionals, and they make less than a McDonald's worker in many cases.

Charles