No, I Won’t Get a “Real Job”

Summary

The author, Patricia, defends her choice of self-employment against societal pressures to obtain a traditional "real job," emphasizing the value of personal freedom, financial stability, and job satisfaction.

Abstract

Patricia, a self-employed individual, faces skepticism from others, particularly her parents, who question the legitimacy of her career path. She argues that her work in reselling and writing is a valid means of making a living, with an expected income of $45,000 from reselling and$ 10,000 from writing this year. Despite cultural expectations to hold a prestigious job title, Patricia values her ability to pay bills and enjoy her work, asserting that self-employment is a viable and fulfilling career choice. She rejects the notion of being a "slave" to traditional employment and instead focuses on the joy and independence her work provides.

Opinions

Patricia believes that making money, regardless of the amount, legitimizes one's job.
She is confident in the sustainability of her chosen fields, reselling and writing, and their ability to adapt to changing platforms.
Patricia criticizes the societal obsession with job titles and the idea that one's worth is tied to their employment status.
She views traditional employment as a form of servitude and prefers to work for herself to maintain autonomy and personal freedom.
The author values the balance of work and life, emphasizing that she works to live rather than the reverse.
Patricia feels that self-employment is misunderstood and undervalued by society and advocates for ending the stigma associated with it.

My Freedom is More Important

As a self-employed person, I frequently come across people who think I don’t have a “real job.” The biggest people that think this are admittedly my parents. People pity me and tell me I should keep applying. Like I’ve chosen this out of desperation since I can’t find a job.

People cannot fathom the thought that I chose this for myself. I wanted to work for myself. Make my own schedule. I’ve always had this drive in me and the desire. Even when I was little, I said I wanted to own my business. But why is it when I actually do that; I’m told it isn’t a “real job.”

Like what constitutes a real job? Because in my opinion; if you are making money, — You have a job.

Just because I am not making a million dollars doesn’t mean what I’m doing isn’t legitimate. Reselling will always be around. Writing will always be here. I can do both as a legitimate business forever in some form. I can even have a retirement account. And yes — I make a living.

My income only increases every year. Reselling alone I should make 45k this year. And writing about 10k. It’s hard work, but it’s fun.

Even if/when the platform I am on ends — there will always be another one to take its place. And a powerhouse like eBay isn’t going down easy. It’s been around longer than I’ve been alive. They just celebrated 25 years. And I’m only 23.

Our culture cares far too much about what type of job you have. Like your “successful” or “enough” by having a respectable job. But your worth isn’t measured by your job title. Why can’t pay my bills be enough? And what’s a respectable job anyway? Working a corporate job? Doctor?

I never looked forward to being a slave to someone else. Who wants to wait for someone to pick them? They can judge your resume and even judge you as a person. But does it really matter in the end where you work?

Jobs were created so we can access goods and services. I made a job I love, and I used the money from it to live my life. I work to live, not live to work.

I have my place, I’m not starving and my student loans get paid. I even gasp, can buy things I want.

Let’s end the judgment of being self-employed. I have a job. It’s just different from yours.

Thanks for reading!

-Patricia 2021