Quote:
Originally Posted by RT Wolf  Well, I'd suggest not attaching yourself to labels like that. |
I've found that you often need to describe your occupation to people regardless of how difficult it is.
A couple of years ago I was separated from my job after my employer went bankrupt. I used the opportunity to start a small business out of my apartment. At the same time, I set out to find a new day job by attending networking events and other professional/social gatherings.
Everywhere I went people would ask, "what do you do?". At first I told them I was a laid off programmer, but that was a real downer and conversation killer. So, I quickly learned to tell people that I was an entrepreneur. Not only did the "entrepreneur" label help me make contacts, but I began to see myself in a new light. Once I realized that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, I started looking for a day job where I could learn from experienced entrepreneurs. I found a job that allowed me to learn entrepreneurial skills and build my business on the side. I continue to tell people I'm an entrepreneur, even though I work as a programmer during the day.
Conclusion: I think it _is_ important to stop and think about how you would describe yourself. For me, it helps to describe myself as an entrepreneur who happens to have a day job.