“What do you do for a living?”
It’s such a simple question, and one we all encounter frequently.
It’s one of the first things we ask when we meet somebody new.
Just seven little words.
And yet – it freaks me out!
That’s because I am not quite sure how to answer.
I started working from home at the end of 2012. Basically – I have a computer and I’m not afraid to use it! I’ve managed to bring together my love of writing and blogging, my fascination with words, experience in writing and editing, my addiction passion for social media, and my skills at building WordPress websites, to create my own business “Front Page Web Writing“.
But how on earth do I streamline all that into a couple of words?
Here are just some of the possible answers that I could use, when asked “What do you do for a living?”:
- blogger
- writer
- digital marketer
- social media manager
- website creator
- virtual assistant
- online publisher
- business owner
- website manager
- online content creator
- editor
- proofreader
- copywriter
- SEO and SEM strategist
Can you see my dilemma?!
Trial and error has helped me to work out which answer is most easily understood, and seems to cover most (if not all) my bases: I just tell people I work in digital marketing.
Trouble is, when you need to fill out one of those forms that asks for your Occupation, “digital marketing” isn’t quite right. I must confess that lately, I’ve taken to calling myself a “digital marketing consultant”. Not sure if that is technically correct, but for now, it seems to do the job (pun intended).
So tell me, do you freak out when people ask you: “What do you do for a living?” And how do you respond?
Linking up with My Home Truths.
How about Digital Consultant? That pulls it all into one neat package.
Only trouble with using “digital” or “web” or “online” in anything, is that people then think you are a tech guru – and I am *so* not!!!
Digital Marketing Consultant sounds impressive and all encompassing to me!
Based on your post last week you could also add lipstick creator to your job list 😉 Also just letting you know your lipstick post was one of the featured ones in this week’s Monday Makeup Madness link up.
Ooo lovely will have to pop over and check it out x
I usually tell people I’m a blogger. I ignore my day job usually, not because I hate it (it’s fine) but just because I don’t want to do it forever, so I won’t use it as a label.
Yes, I’ve been known to just use blogger upon occasion too. At least most people have some clue what that is, unlike a copywriter or virtual assistant!
It’s the worst question for me because I don’t have a job. I’ve learned to sort of fudge the truth a little with people I know I’m never going to see again. I’ll say I used to be a Library Technician, but I’m at home with my kids now. The fact that it was a good 15 years ago is completely irrelevant!
Yes, even harder if you aren’t working. But you’re right – they don’t need to know that it was in the past!
I usually just use my “real job” of executive assistant, depending who I’m talking to, but I could also say (as well as being a mum) that I’m a blogger, business owner, virtual assistant, content creator, web designer, digital publisher, editor, copywriter and social media advisor.
We all wear many hats, don’t we?!
We do wear many hats when it comes to it……and now I say ‘retired’ or ‘retired teacher’ and that title depends on the purpose!
I like that job description Janet! I tell people that I’m a writer & advocate as blogger doesn’t seem to mean much (or when it does it’s negative). I’m hoping to add speaker to the mix soon too!
Pretty sure virtual assistant covers most of what you do these days.
True – but so many people still have no clue what that means *sigh*
I always go with my day job as what I do – blogging confuses people and I feel a bit vain saying “I’m a blogger” for some reason???? If my blog ever becomes my main source of income or my main focus then I might switch my job title. Lovely to find your blog (and a fellow cat lover!)
Welcome Leanne – lovely to meet you too! I will add you to my “Bloglovin” list so I am notified of your new posts – looks forward to following! Off to check out your cat posts!!!