Will Arnett Opens Up About Dealing with Fame and How He Explains His Job to His Kids

While Will Arnett‘s character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is coping with newfound fame, the comedian says he’s still figuring it out in his real life.

“I guess there are people who get used to it but I never get fully used to it,” Arnett told PEOPLE at a press conference for the film in New York City. “In a lot of ways it can be an absurd existence and the idea that you’re treated differently or people want to take your photograph, especially nowadays because A, the internet, and B, people have a camera on them at all times — the lines get even blurrier so no matter where you are or what time of day people say ‘Can I take a picture with you?’ ”

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He continues: “You’ll be running out to the deli in the city in the morning to get half and half or whatever and someone will say ‘Can I get a picture with you?’ And you’re like ‘You know what, man? I woke up 11 minutes ago, I’m sorry, I don’t mean this to be insensitive but I’m not at work right now, so there’s that aspect of it but at the same time it’s what you do.”

Arnett says his job is also a difficult thing to explain to his two young kids with ex-wife Amy Poehler – Archie, 7 and Abel, 5.

“I just tell them because of the nature of our jobs people see that more than if I was an accountant,” he explains. “People are familiar with your work so they know who you are and they want to, I guess, participate in that or whatever.”

He adds: “It doesn’t really mean anything – not to downplay – not that the content doesn’t mean anything, but of itself, never has the idea of celebrity meant less because we live in a day and age where you’re famous for no definitive skill set other than being on social media. People are like, ‘Oh, he’s an Instagram star.’ But for what? It used to be you had to do something … it’s bizarre.”

But the 46-year-old actor says he certainly values his fans’ appreciation for the work he does.

“Even though there are elements that are kind of weird, I always appreciate when people are fans and like the stuff. I’m a fan of a lot of other people myself. I appreciate when people compliment you and let you know. I don’t make it in a vacuum so nobody watches it.”

TMNT: Out of the Shadows is in theaters now.