Comments on: Trouble Explaining What You Do For a Living? Well, It Is a Good Sign!

By: Jeff Sabo

Jeff Sabo — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:36:27 +0000

I am glad Daniel wrote this because I typically get weird looks whenever I say “I do Internet Search Engine Optimization.” I’ll admit that not many people understood what that meant at first but slowly got the hang of it as I explained it! I got a weird look from a previous employer when I informed that person what I was doing but making the move was one of the best choices I made!

I’ll admit that I really enjoy what I do and don’t mind the weird looks. I am comfortable with what I do and have fun doing it. Finding something you enjoy doing on a daily basis is one of the hardest goals to accomplish. Even if it is hard to explain, if it makes you happy, go for it!

By: Melisa

Melisa — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:33:35 +0000

I’m also interested to set up my own revenue-generating site after I resign from my current job. Maybe I can explain the job as: working freelance in the field of online advertising and internet publishing.

By: Elle

Elle — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:23:07 +0000

I tell people I’m self employed and I do some freelance writing for my other sites besides my own. I tried to explain it to my family, but they keep asking when I’m getting a 9-5 job.

By: C

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:40:58 +0000

This is funny – I’ve dealt with this for years now! I’ve had the hardest time trying to explain to people what I do. In the beginning I thought they were just not that interested in what I do, but eventually I learned to classify those blank stares not as disinterest, but in not having a clue what I had just said.

So now I usually just tell people I’m a web designer. Pretty much every one seems to understand that one and you don’t have to keep explaining. The problem is that then people will ask you to do a website for them and you have to tell them to hire someone else

My husband on the other hand (who also doesn’t quite understand) tells everyone I’m doing search engine optimization. I’ve found when people think you’re an SEO person, they think you’re God!! So I ride that one for a while (it is a part of the whole thing anyway) until I get asked to do some SEO for them! Again, I have to tell them to hire someone else…

Bottom line is I’ve learned to appreciate my worth and also to appreciate not being a commodity as you call it – that’s the fun part! I’ve also learned not to expect any family members or friends to understand what I do. Unfortunately, if people don’t get what you do, they may become distrustful and not support you. Then again, it’s a great opportunity to weed out the real friend from the fakes…

By: Asif

Asif — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:55:49 +0000

Thanks Daniel!!!
I made my friends read this post.
By the way, Just to let others know, the guy Daniel is talking about is me.
yes, I have the difficulty of making my parents and friends understand the way I make money.
My parents still understand that I play on internet.
But hey, I make serious money.