Fightin’ Words

December 18th, 2007 by Cristina Favreau

Have you ever had the opportunity to find out exactly what people think of you and your business? It usually happens by accident (perhaps while eavesdropping overhearing a conversation not intended for your ears).

I had just such an occasion yesterday — although, it wasn’t as exciting as an undercover operation!

Yesterday I stayed home with the kids, instead of going to a client’s. My son was sick and I didn’t want to drive in all the snow we got here in Montreal. Like many of you, I built my business to fit around my life, with the flexibility to care for my family when I want need to.

When my husband got home and asked how my day went, I gave him the details of our fun day painting, doing puzzles, singing, etc… Then he said, looking at our house guest instead of me, “Oh, she didn’t pretend to work today.”

Trying to brush off his cutting remark (and not wanting to make a scene) I retorted, “Actually, I posted something on my blog.” Now looking at me, he replied, “Ah, so you DID pretend to work today!”

Has this ever happened to you? Maybe you just know people around you think your business is something not serious or not “real work.”

Needless to say, I was hurt and meant to give my husband an earful as soon we had a moment in private (our guest is staying with us 3 weeks)!

But now that I think about it, I realize how it must look to him.

After all, he’s part of the rat race. He has a boss to report to. He has to punch in each morning. He’s considered not a team player if he doesn’t do overtime when asked. He has to call in when he’s sick.

Here I am having fun and really enjoying what I do. I choose my hours. I choose the people I work with. I have a hard time leaving my office because I’m just so passionate about what I do. I can play with the kids, and do work while they nap. Reminds me of this week’s The Savvy Snippet — as opposed to him, I’m PLAYING and having FUN all day!

Get out there and have a blast! Turn a deaf ear to anyone who trivializes your work or tries to make you feel guilty.

Keep in mind, that person probably envies you! There’s not much you can do, so instead of justifying yourself, go up to that person, wrap your arms around their neck, and tell him you love him just the same!

Guess who’s getting a hug tonight?

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Category Common Challenges, Entrepreneurship, Success | Comments

  • Jay, thanks so much for joining the conversation. I can so relate to your comment: "It wasn’t until I got paid for my work that they believed it was work"!

    Sounds like we have a lot of educating to do!!

    To those people my question would be: If you're doing nothing (at your employment) and still getting paid, is that actually work?

    While it's nice to be able to sit around being paid by someone else, the responsibility of being an entrepreneur makes us much more productive than most employees. That's why we charge more per hour than an employee -- there's no loss of time!
  • Jacki, thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure many (if not all) entrepreneurs have had more than one comment like that!! Thankfully your husband stuck up for you! Sounds like he's a great support! And it's so true when you say that every one of your clients are your boss!! Really puts things in perspective.
  • Despite the number of bloggers on the net, it seems that not a lot of people realize the potential to earn money through blogging just yet. The idea is not widespread. I used to tell my family that I work on the Internet. It wasn't until I got paid for my work that they believed it was work.
  • Someone told me once when I said I had to cancel a client, "Well it's not like you have a real job."

    I replied I DO have a real job and that is looking after my family so that my husband go off to work and be productive without having to worry about the children and their care. At which point my husband agreed and said he supported my business and was glad I had (finally) found something that made me happy and served others.

    When you are self-employed you don't have ONE boss, EVERY client you have is your boss.
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