Optimist Under Siege

When you work at home, especially engaged in an occupation like affiliate marketing or website design, and older relatives (like mothers) aren’t very internet savvy, you often find yourself being asked questions like, “Oh honey, are you still doing that computer stuff?” As if it was a passing phase and doesn’t count as real work. I doubt I’d be asked the same kind of question if I was doctor or lawyer, “Hey dear, are you still doing that surgery thing or are you over it?” Compounded with that question is the assumption that I quit my full-time office job so that I could have kids. Nope. I’m not saying that may never come up, but it was not a motivation.

I do realize that there’s a difference between the doctor’s profession and mine and that my mother’s question isn’t meant with any ill-intent. But how long do I have do this or what else to I have to do in order for people to understand that YES, I do work for a living? I admit that I do take advantage of my flexible schedule to go grocery shopping, make dinner, go to the gym, and attend the occasional dentist appointment, but otherwise I work during the day. There are no bonbons and no soap operas (thank goodness on that second one!). Once in a while, there’s ice cream, but it’s usually eaten in front of the computer.

Interestingly enough, the most supportive person (besides my husband who has been pretty great) is my mother in law. When she’s around she’s the first to take up my defense and explain that I work plenty hard. I appreciate that.