Quit Trying to Hire Me!

Posted on April 7, 2008
Filed Under harder than it should be, work |

I know there’s an unemployment problem in today’s workforce but if you’re me you’d never know it. You see I regularly get unsolicited job offers from friends, family and neighbors. While it sounds like an ideal situation and I should be grateful to be considered so “employable” there is a distinct problem with this—I already have a job.

 

I’ve had the same job for three years now but very few people seem to believe me. I’m a WAHM, and more specifically, a freelance writer but by the way people react when I tell them what I do you’d think I’d just announced that I’m the Tooth Fairy.

 

I suppose the crux of the problem is that, unlike many WAHMs who sell candles or home décor, I have no catalogues of wares to pass out or home parties for them to host in order to get free goodies. I suppose I could hand them a lavender scented sample of my latest published article but it’s just not the same, is it?

 

So instead of people knowing me as the local “candle” lady they look at me with an expression of disbelief and pity when I tell them I’ve already got a job and like it—thank you very much! I’m sure they view me as some deranged and aged beauty queen who dons her ratty ball gown and tarnished tiara in order to go to the grocery store—hanging on to the past with the tenacity that only the mentally insane have mastered.

 

“Oh, just look at her” They whisper behind my back. “She drops her kids off at school, goes back home, sits down in front of her computer and pretends to work. How sad.”

 

 WAHMs in general have it tough when pinned up against those that work outside the home. Our jobs are often seen as “hobbies” that bring in a little mad money until our kids are old enough to go to school. Never mind the fact that many work at home moms bring in just as much if not more money than their counterparts that work outside of the home. But still, we don’t have real jobs.

 

Personally, I just smile and nod when they offer me a job these days. I tell them I’ll think about it because it’s just easier, and then I go inside to make some money. And when they’re complaining that their boss is a tyrant or they can’t get their kid’s birthday off at work I just smile bigger…and offer them a job.

Comments

8 Responses to “Quit Trying to Hire Me!”

  1. Blondie Writes (1 comments.) on April 7th, 2008 3:58 pm

    This is so true. I have the same experience every time I leave the house. Maybe that is why I choose to stay home where nobody can offer me work that would just drive me nuts. I am more relaxed and content just being in front of the computer working as a freelance writer.

  2. Dana - The Writer's Blog (3 comments.) on April 9th, 2008 1:05 am

    This post really hits home. I’m tweeting this post RIGHT NOW.

    Dana - The Writer’s Blog’s last blog post..Favourite Writer Tools by Google

  3. Laura Spencer (1 comments.) on April 9th, 2008 1:12 am

    I stumbled the post. I think that a lot of WAHMs will relate.

    Laura Spencer’s last blog post..Forum Review: The Performancing Hive

  4. wordvixen (1 comments.) on April 9th, 2008 1:27 am

    Oh Lord. I can’t focus on anything but lavender scented articles now. I just know that I’m going to do that at some point in my future. :)

    (Arrived via Dana’s tweet)

    wordvixen’s last blog post..Writer’s Review: The Shadow Of The Lion

  5. Cindy on April 9th, 2008 11:42 am

    @Dana and Laura–Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it and shared the post. Seriously, there I am sitting on my own back deck with some neighbors enjoying a glass of wine and one of them is pitching me her old job. I know she meant well but still!

    @wordvixen: LOL! If you start sending out lavender scented articles you let me know how it goes over with your neighbors & friends! :) You could start a new home party biz there!

    Maybe in the end we’ll all have to be like blondie writes and just duck for cover at home so no one can make lewd job offers at us. :)

  6. xp sound problems on April 20th, 2008 11:57 am

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  7. Mary(new comment) on May 22nd, 2008 8:54 pm

    Just stay home.

    Mary’s last blog post..Asus EeePC 901 will be available on June 3

  8. CindyM(new comment) on May 22nd, 2008 11:41 pm

    Thanks Mary,

    I think you’re meaning I should stay home and work? At any rate–I’m going to take it as meaning that. :) Thanks for stopping by.

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