Sometimes it is difficult to tell people what we do for a living when we are home-based. I am often jealous of transcriptionists, daycare providers and other home-based careers where the title is pretty cut and dried.
The other day I was talking with my preschooler about my husband’s job. He is a police officer. That’s a pretty easy job for a four-year old to grasp. Out of curiosity, I asked her, “do you know what mommy does for a living?” “You play on your ‘peuter'” (computer). “Oh great”, I thought. Her preschool teacher probably assumes I sit around and play solitaire or mine sweeper all day.
I had the same problem as a direct seller. When I met other mothers at playgroups or my bible study, the discussion of our jobs would inevitably come up. “I am a sales representative for ________company”. I would respond. It never failed. Someone would quickly change the subject.
It was as if I had just proclaimed, “I am employed as the bearded lady at the traveling freak show”. I am fairly certain they were simply scared that I would try to talk them into hosting a show or joining the business.
Even though I am absolutely passionate about my various “at-home” gigs, I still struggle when someone asks me what I do for a living. “Well, do you have a few minutes?” “Let’s see…where do I begin?” “I sell products on Ebay, I am the editor of a personal website and five blogs, I blog for Families.com, I sell my personal crafts and I am the family life writer and editor for another website”. “Oh, and in my spare time, I write product reviews and proofread articles.”
Most of my friends work from home and also have “lengthy titles”. So, what do you say you do for a living? Are you an “Entrepreneur”? Are you a “Freelancer”? Are you a professional “Opportunity Tester” or are you a “Domestic Engineer”?
Do you have a title? Do you want one? I am not sure why it is important to me other than not being crazy about my daughter telling everyone that I “play on my peuter” all day.
Related Reading:
Home Business or Home-Based Conglomerate?
Home Business Resources