engage in illicit (/improper/unlawful) occupation; ignore one’s proper occupation (/pursuit); loaf; neglect one’s main job;neglect one’s own trade; not attend to one’s proper profession; not do (/engage in) honest work; not follow (/pursue)one’s legitimate (/proper)calling;not live by honest labour; not take up an honest calling
❍ 他们认为这项工作简直等于 “劳民伤财”，“～”。They thought that this job simply amounted to a“waste of money and labour power”and “neglecting one’s own trade”.
不务正业
do not a ttend to one’s proper business; ignore one’s proper occupation; do no decent work;not engage in honest work
不务正业bù wù zhènɡ yè
务：从事。不从事正当的职业。not attend to one’s proper duties, not engage in honest work, ignore one’s proper pursuit neglect one’s main job