I tense up when I know that I’ll have to meet someone new. Whether it’s because of my spouse, or because I’m going to a new care provider, hairdresser, nail tech, etc. I dread the question that I know is going to come up, “what do you do?”

I hate that question so much that I’ve probably already blogged about it before. This cartoon made me think about how I’m often faced with the “should I try to explain, roll my eyes and groan, or just say I work in an office” dilemma.

I’m sure a lot of work at home professionals can relate, not just bloggers.

I got married in October and at my wedding I decided to mess with the next person who asked me that because I know people have a hard time thinking outside of the box.

True to form, a friend of my husbands asked me “so what do you do? and I said, “I do a lot of things.” Then she said, “but what do you DO?” I responded, “I read, watch a little TV, take care of my dogs” she gave me the most confused glance and said, “no, no, no WHAT do you DO?” I almost burst out laughing because she just couldn’t comprehend someone not defining themselves with an occupation.

For some, it may not be that big of a deal, but when you are working with new media, people just don’t understand; or they think they do when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

What about you all? How do you respond when someone asks “what do you do?”

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I’ve been working from home since 2003 yet there are two things that never crossed my mind.

1) Working at home is not a new concept

A few days ago I read an article on Workerette written by someone who has worked from home since 1983. I was in awe because I, like many people, tend to think of telecommuting as this new and innovative way of work.

To take it even further, I found out that a PR company, INK inc., has been telecommuting since at least 10 years. From the CEO on down, everyone works from home. What’s even better is that CNN did a feature on the company in 1995 and the video is here.

2) Some people get rather angry when you mention working from home

I know that working at home isn’t for everyone, but I had no idea that people could be so bitter about the concept.

There’s a post on ReadWriteWeb about the pros and cons of working at home. The post is interesting in itself, but what’s most fascinating is some of the comments, in particular, this one by Brent Elkins.

“Articles like this make my eyes roll.The next time you’re in your beloved coffee shop, ask your barista how many days per week he/she can work from home.Then after that, ask the same question of the people who made your car, built your house, cut your hair, did your nails, flipped your burger or took your order at Olive Garden. Or how about doctors, judges, policemen, teachers, professors, atheletes, actors, politicians, bus drivers, crane operators, welders, plumbers, electricians, airline pilots, baggage handlers, taxi cab drivers or photographers?Apparently, none of them are part of your “new, rapidly growing generation”. Perhaps someone should tell them.”

Is that close-mindedness, curiosity, or jealousy I sense? No one said that working at home is a solution to all of the worlds problems. I think you missed the point of the article.

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