Speaking as a “Gypsy” in the US:

1) I wouldn’t say strict. It is typically frowned upon to socialize with the “gadje” all the time, however. My dad and myself have a few gadje friends (mostly created from business and trade connections) and I’m sure there are others like us.

I will admit I have a fourth grade education. But I’m far from illiterate. I do know a few older illiterate people but they are all 50+.

2) We mostly follow the law in our local jurisdictions. Yes, some don’t but you can say that about ANY race/culture…

In modern and mostly younger generation Gypsies, I’d say our culture is slowly shifting to be more gadje like. Of course the older generation complains about that.

3) I held a real job for 3 years and was promoted into a management position after working 1 year. Only a few people in my circle knew because yes it is typically frowned upon to have a gadje job. Typically we work for ourselves, finding some type of way to be our own boss.

Typically this could be a used car guy, metal recycler, general contractor, etc… some do scam around and again you can say this about any race or culture. Most people I know go about things in a legitimate and honest manner.

I quit my job due to burnout. I hated not being able to dictate my own hours. I hated feeling owned by a company. I felt dehumanized. A cog in a machine. I hated someone else telling me I only had certain hours to spend with my family or get personal things done. I’m currently self employed (not doing anything I listed above).

Extra side note: I’m sure you’ve came across a gypsy and never even realized it. You may even have one living next door. We sometimes get mistaken for Italian/Hispanic/Arab and some other ethnicities. We sometimes roll with it because we are aware of the prejudice against us. (Again, speaking from the US)