OneCubicle.com Blog

3 Tips For Young Professionals on ‘Unconventional’ Career Paths Who Are Tired of Being Told to ‘Get a Real Job.’

We have all been there – Thanksgiving, Passover, a wedding, whatever – an overly inquisitive parent’s friend, your least favorite aunt, or Mr. Men’s Wearhouse, the number cruncher who is reporting directly to The Man until his 401K kicks in, has cornered you near the buffet and begin intensely questioning you re: school, your continued singleness, and of course, your professional progress.  You take a deep breath and launch into what has most likely become a scripted elevator speech:

“Well, I graduated last spring, you were there, remember?  No, I am not getting married this year, and I am doing web content for a social media company/freelance graphic design/web-based PR, etc.”

Chances are, during one encounter or another, as you describe all the things you love most about this job (it provides you a creative outlet, you like the people you work with, flexible hours, casual working environment, the ability to work from home, the joy of being your own boss, etc.) your older audience’s brow lifts at the mention of ‘freelance,’ ‘web content,’ ‘home office’ or what have you.  You can feel it coming.  You see it form in their eyes (that’s not a real job), evolve into the raised eyebrows (does she think this is a real job?), and finally form a sentence on the tip of their tongue (so, are you just taking some time off after school before you get a real job?).  Sometimes, with a tactful individual, they will keep the comment to themselves.  But lets face it: if all the people at these get-togethers were constantly supportive, tactful, sober and affectionate, family functions probably would not be so avoided.

Still, these conversations happen and can be as tedious as they are unwelcome.  But frankly, if you get aggravated every time a member of an older generation questions the legitimacy of your work, you are going to make for one sorry conversationalist and one pathetic party guest.

To avoid this awkward and potentially painful situation, keep these 3 things in mind:

1.  DO NOT GET DEFENSIVE
I know it can be difficult, but don’t take it personally.  Many of the most coveted jobs out there (as well as the ability to work from home via the Internet) simply did not exist for previous generations as the technology that makes these industries possible was not invented yet.  Although it may seem like a personal attack on you and your character, it’s important to realize that this is a generational difference, much like asking a tech-savvy teen to use a phone book or challenging your average 63-year-old to program an iPod.  Sure, you may get a good giggle out of witnessing the struggle, but the fact is, some things are just mind-boggling to different generations.

2.  THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE
First thing’s first.  When asked about what you do at work, please do not bust out with something along the lines of  “um, well it really depends on the day.”  If you cannot verbalize it, it is not going to sound like a real job.  If you are in ‘real job’ defense territory in the first place, this person probably doesn’t understand what your chosen industry is about.  So inform them.  Talk about it – IN DETAIL!  Give a run down of the tasks and responsibilities you enjoy most, and those that aren’t your favorite, and put some enthusiasm behind it.  Also (and I know this may qualify as nasty) but if you really want to impress/get them off your back, don’t be afraid to throw out some professional jargon that they may not understand.

3.  SHOW PATIENCE AND PASSION
Just as everyone constantly asked about college, everyone is going to be equally as curious about the validity of your new job.  Try not to get exasperated every time you are asked the same questions.  These people are curious, so humor them!  And if you are thrilled about this line of work (as you hopefully are,) don’t be bashful, show it!  Enthusiasm, like laughter, is contagious.  No matter how disapproving your listener may seem, if you are happy and thriving they will recognize this and chances are, it will be enough to satisfy.  And if it’s not, well, at least you only have to see them once or twice a year.

Lee Quinney, Nov 5, 2009