What do you do?
A thing that amuses and fascinates me is how some professions aren’t really legit, at least not until you’re famous. And no, I’m not thinking along the lines of theft and prostitution…
If, in my old life (before I moved to the US) someone asked me, “So, what do you do,” I usually answered with whatever daytime job I had at the time, and the response would be along the lines of, “Oh, that’s nice, how long have you been there?”
At times, I tried a different approach and answered, “I’m a bass player.” I’d inevitably get the reply, “Yeah, right, what do you really do?”
To me, being a bass player was my “real” life and a thing I put at least twice as much time and passion into as I did with the necessary evil that kept me occupied between eight and five on weekdays… It admittedly did not pay as well, but I made money on it, and I was so associated with my red Gibson bass that some people didn’t recognize me without it.
The same thing is true today, on another continent with completely different people. If I answer, “I’m in college,” no one lifts an eyebrow. Being a student also has the advantage of taking at least ten years off of my age, as efficiently and certainly as if I’d jumped into a fountain of youth. If I say, “I’m a writer,” I once again get the incredulous look of, “Yeah, right, what do you really do?”
It’s ironically funny; I am a writer. For a little over a year I wrote blurbs for company websites. It was both fun and challenging; I do not know how to cure common diseases on roses, or what the best cures are for itchy feet, and I had to learn a lot of things before I could start on my assignment for the week. This all ended abruptly with my editor yelling at me when I refused to use the word “cures” in a sentence containing the words homeopathic, medicine, and cancer.
Since then I’ve published four novels. My books might not be great contributions to literature, and they’re not making me rich, but they do pay a chunk of bills every month. It’s still easier to introduce myself as a student.
Now, I’m sure that each and every person who reads this has a passion of their own. Some secret dream of something they’d like to do if they could, or dared, or something they’re already doing. Some people paint, others make the most beautiful flower arrangements in their kitchens. Some people play the piano, sew dolls, work with wood, make papier maiche, or renovate cars. Whatever your passion is, bring it out and shake it off and give yourself some time for it. It’s okay to do something you enjoy.
I want to challenge you. The next time someone asks what you do, answer proudly, “I’m a poet,” or whatever it is you do. Trust me, it feels good, and seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize you’re serious is priceless!
If, in my old life (before I moved to the US) someone asked me, “So, what do you do,” I usually answered with whatever daytime job I had at the time, and the response would be along the lines of, “Oh, that’s nice, how long have you been there?”
At times, I tried a different approach and answered, “I’m a bass player.” I’d inevitably get the reply, “Yeah, right, what do you really do?”
To me, being a bass player was my “real” life and a thing I put at least twice as much time and passion into as I did with the necessary evil that kept me occupied between eight and five on weekdays… It admittedly did not pay as well, but I made money on it, and I was so associated with my red Gibson bass that some people didn’t recognize me without it.
The same thing is true today, on another continent with completely different people. If I answer, “I’m in college,” no one lifts an eyebrow. Being a student also has the advantage of taking at least ten years off of my age, as efficiently and certainly as if I’d jumped into a fountain of youth. If I say, “I’m a writer,” I once again get the incredulous look of, “Yeah, right, what do you really do?”
It’s ironically funny; I am a writer. For a little over a year I wrote blurbs for company websites. It was both fun and challenging; I do not know how to cure common diseases on roses, or what the best cures are for itchy feet, and I had to learn a lot of things before I could start on my assignment for the week. This all ended abruptly with my editor yelling at me when I refused to use the word “cures” in a sentence containing the words homeopathic, medicine, and cancer.
Since then I’ve published four novels. My books might not be great contributions to literature, and they’re not making me rich, but they do pay a chunk of bills every month. It’s still easier to introduce myself as a student.
Now, I’m sure that each and every person who reads this has a passion of their own. Some secret dream of something they’d like to do if they could, or dared, or something they’re already doing. Some people paint, others make the most beautiful flower arrangements in their kitchens. Some people play the piano, sew dolls, work with wood, make papier maiche, or renovate cars. Whatever your passion is, bring it out and shake it off and give yourself some time for it. It’s okay to do something you enjoy.
I want to challenge you. The next time someone asks what you do, answer proudly, “I’m a poet,” or whatever it is you do. Trust me, it feels good, and seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize you’re serious is priceless!
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And this comes from the author of "Parallel!" There's nothing wrong with being a stay home mom, but you're also an awesome writer!!! =D
"Writer" who is genuine and works extremely hard at what she does. Who loves to create and see that achievement in hand but seldom gets the acknowledgement she deserves from the very person who set her free.