Just because I don't leave the house and go to another establishment and get a paycheck every two weeks doesn't mean I don't have a real job.
Just because I work from home doesn't mean I'm sitting here playing with my crafts.
I work REALLY hard, every day. This isn't crafty playtime.
I really like doing what I'm doing. I work really hard too though.
Do you have any idea how long it takes to make one of these?
Just because I sit on the couch doesn't mean it isn't work.
I do not sit around all day eating bon bons and watching reality tv, I am constantly thinking, making, brainstorming, sewing, cutting, cleaning up after myself, starting new projects, fixing things that break, reading til my eyeballs hurt, brushing up on the latest and greatest, blogging, writing, listing, taking pictures, winding bobbins, applying to shows, tracking inventory, packing the car, untangling threads, unpacking the car, lugging things all over Boston, printing things, logging in, logging out, going to the post office, printing orders, filing papers, buying new supplies, placing orders online, going to the store, refilling packing products, addressing packages... you get the idea....
To the people who get this, THANK YOU! You know who you are! :)
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29 comments:
I 110% agree!
Also I do not need to be rescued from being trapped in the house or entertained all afternoon on the phone. Thanks.
haha "Also I do not need to be rescued from being trapped in the house or entertained all afternoon on the phone. Thanks." yeah...
I totally get it! I'm a stay at home mom & I have a shop on Big Cartel. I feel like a lot of people don't view either of those as a "real" job, which is so frustrating. Being a mom is a busy, busy job. Trying to grow a business on top of all that is even harder. I appreciate how hard you work :)
^^ there are people who think that being a mom isnt a real job? isnt parenting, like the realist job of all? i make my mom work really hard like, most days. (right mom?! lots of phone calls!)
i appreciate how hard parents work!
here, everyone take one of my "i am my own biggest fan" posters:
http://www.merriweathercouncilblog.com/2011/03/free-pdf-i-am-my-own-biggest-fan-mantra.html
I think that should help for a few seconds at least.
Yes! Thank you! Just because my job is fun and I like it doesn't mean it's not a real job.
I agree. When I have the time to devote to Etsy (I'm a full-time student right now) , it takes a lot more time than people realize to even get things posted...not to mention all the marketing and self-promotion that goes into a making a new shop successful.
Also, on a side note...
@Laura of Cubit's...I'm growing some of your kale and cauliflower...a friend of mine ordered some and shared with me. I've started them indoors, and they're happy so far. ^_^
I hear you sister! I wish everyone would just have more respect for each other. Building a business (even a very small business) is hard work. And it's not a competition of who works harder or who's job is more important anyway. People should just support each other in whatever career path they choose and not be so judgemental. That's actually why I try to support as many of my fellow etsy sellers as I can, on my blog, on twitter, and in treasuries. I actually am working on a post that continues this theme, but I'll save the rest of my point for when I post:)
Also, unrelated...Danielle, I'm concerned that Hanson and Backstreet Boys are listed as 1 and 2 on your sidebar. I feel like some sort of intervention might be necessary! No judgement here, only concern. And support. :P
jessica - right!?
amber - people have no idea, this isnt the kind of job where i show up and someone tells me what to do either.. i basically have to figure that part out too... that takes time/work/thought!
mary - so true, you are a great supported, and i know i appreciate that. i try to be as helpful as possible on merriweathercouncilblog and give tips/experience and such, i will most absolutely definitely like to see that post when it is complete! & yes, i do openly admit to loving and adoring bsb and hanson... it's my thing, i embrace my teenybopping side... i do like other stuff, sometimes. :)
I have just started cutting down on working in my shop so I can build my own creative business. every time one person in particular always asks me what I have planned for all my days off... WHAT DAYS OFF! gah!
at least we all understand each other. :)
^ Days off, LOL!
Anyway, sing it sister. Also "sitting around making crafts all day" is not "relaxing"! Yeah I love what I do but it's work. The haters are possibly jealous, but they wouldn't be if they tried our jobs! Friday night, weekends, night time, aren't time off for us. I work more hours for less pay than I ever did when I worked for other people, but it's worth it to me.
My husband says that I would work less if I went back to "work"! Taking care of two toddlers and then creating is not easy but I would not change it. It does get frustrating dealing with the nay sayers, though.
Great post!
Crafting isn't even my full time job yet but I totally get what you mean. I worked harder and longer for the one craft event I've done than I ever did at my old job! It's always way more satisfying! Keep up the great work!! ^_^
Dom - seriously, what is this day off they speak about?
Liz- yes yes yes! to everything you said! "Also "sitting around making crafts all day" is not "relaxing"! Yeah I love what I do but it's work. "
erika - your husband must get it! i believe he is probably correct, if i went to work somewhere else, i'd work a lot less. i'd also probably be miserable.
Some wise person said "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." They just forgot to mention it'll take all your time. =o) Love your post
Hey Danielle,
I totally agree! I actually DO have a "typical" job in an office, but because my job is in advertising, particularly as a Social Media Strategist, people assume I have fun all day... they assume I sit around tweeting and playing on Facebook all day. UMM, if that was my job, don't you think everyone would do it?! And just because my job is less "boring" than yours doesn't mean I don't work hard.
I'm sure my husband, a hairstylist, would agree as well. Just because he isn't booked solid doesn't mean he isn't working hard the 10 hours he is at work. He spends most of his day standing and has to be people's therapist AND stylist at the same time. I know I certainly wouldn't wish that job upon anyone.
Absolutely agree with you!
what you do is just as important as what ANY artist does. your creations are beautiful! i'm still working on an idea that will allow me to be "stuck inside" all day working like you do. i'm glad that this is your job...because you're damn good at it!!
--julie
kait - "And just because my job is less "boring" than yours doesn't mean I don't work hard. "
yes, this!
gallery - i'm really happy we all at least get it lol
thanks julie!!
I only wish I'd had an online venue to sell my creations back when I was a "young'n" like you lol :)
You are blessed--enjoy it!
perfectly stated. amen!
Amen sister. Happy to have found your blog!
Oh, I how I so badly want to be one of you stay at home creative business women!! Danielle, I do believe they are just jealous my dear...you go on with your bad organized, successful self and show em'!!
So glad you posted this when you did. I was having the same thoughts this week. I work part time as a nanny, and I always feel people think of that as "my job." I guess because it has a regular pay check and set hours. I get a little frustrated when people think that I can stop and rearrange everything because I don't have a "set in stone" schedule. But, actually I do! Because of this my sewing has taken a back seat. Sigh I feel ya!!! Thanks again for posting this.
kristi - you are so right, it is wonderful to have such a place!
migration - right?!
lauren - i'm happy you found my blog too!!
Erin - thanks lady! :)
sheila - yes, i understand that. just because we dont have a job where someone assigns us hours, doesnt mean that we dont have our own schedule to follow! best of luck to you, you're not alone, clearly! ^^^
You said it all!! Yessss. Seriously!!
And now people think that I can talk on the phone all day long. Especially my family that calls me in the middle of the day and wants to talk for hours. Ohhh geeeeeez.
Thanks for this post. It was perfect.
yeah, i know... we all get each other at least!
I hear you!! I know you work crazy hard. Clocking in and out is no where near the definition of work.
And on the comment to that being a mom IS a real job- SOOO true! People completely don't get that sometimes. Hearing people ask, "Oh, is that all you do?" makes me so sad. Raising my child to be moral, healthy, creative, industrious, educated, loved, happy, God-fearing, polite, confident, active, good ... yeah, no big deal, not that important. HA. I think not!!
Plus, an Etsy shop on the side. Bon bons? Who has time for bon bons? ;)
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