Have you ever been asked this question before – When will you get a real job?

If you have decided to shrug off the old, traditional way of employment to follow what you are passionate about…you probably have.

What makes a job real though?

Is it having an employer? An office to go to?

Regular Income and holiday pay?

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve heard this question over the past 5 years. The first time, I completely freaked out. My confidence all but disappeared.

Did everyone think this about my business?

Was it because I worked from home?

Was there any point in trying?

I kept telling myself that after I had been in business for a year, they would change their minds. The whole “lets prove them wrong” mentality. But every year I said the same thing, but even after 5 years, I still get that same question.

Our jobs are real. Yes, they don’t follow the outdated ways of working. We have to earn any holiday pay before we take that holiday. Learn to budget for any potential sick days. We will typically squeeze work in while the kids are at swimming lessons or while they are asleep at night…. but we do it because we love it.

Next time someone asks you, when will you get a real job…. remind them that your job is real and you love it.

For those of you who may have once asked the question, when will you get a real job? Instead of asking that question, pick another one. What is it that you do? How long have you done that for? By asking them questions about their job, you are giving them encouragement instead of plummeting them into a world of self-doubt.