54 Comments
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Leanne Hughes's avatar

This title is a banger!! My favourite compliment in the world is when people tell me they have no idea what I do (but they refer me to other ppl anyway)

Tim Denning's avatar

Means a lot coming from you Leanne. I feel you're similar to me in this way. It's good people can't explain you.

Denis Gorbunov's avatar

Hey Tim, I had the title "Scientist" when I was working for a state-of-the-art research lab. It was easy to explain what I was doing. It was hard to explain why because I was studying fundamental physic and fundamental physics doesn't have real world application on day one.

Tim Denning's avatar

Feels like scientist as a title confuses a lot of people. Do you still use that title?

Denis Gorbunov's avatar

I simply say I work in research. And if the conversation goes deeper, I say I run a small online business if you know what I mean :)

Nina Rebel's avatar

I like your view of life. I won't sign in though, i've been there and it's not my thing. At the moment, i'm a selfemployed-cleaning lady. People don't get that. I don't mind, i don't have a boss telling me what to do. And anoying coworkers. Unfortunately, i got tricked in to a staff party tonight. The woman who hired me brought it as a favour to me, she ment well...I wish myself a grand evening✨️

Tim Denning's avatar

Enjoy the night. Party hard. You do you.

Nina Rebel's avatar

Aye, I do Me🤭👌👌👌

Dr. Bronce Rice's avatar

“But I’m not a shallow guy. If I get a little more philosophical, what I end up realizing I do is help people figure out what they want to do with their life.” Sounds a little familiar.

Back in the day, when I went out for some fun, the last thing I wanted to tell anyone was what I actually did for a living. Still, people loved talking about themselves — what they enjoyed, what mattered to them. Before long, I had more friends at the bar than I knew what to do with. Even the bartender started saying, “This one’s on the house.”

It all changed the night one of the regulars walked into my office not realizing who I was. “Hey, I know you,” he said. “Where do I know you from?” Word got around fast after that. Before long, the same people from the bar were stopping by to talk about their problems and ask for advice. The bartender just grinned and said, “Welcome to my world. You owe me ten bucks for that drink.”

You can try to leave the work behind, but when your life’s work is understanding people, it has a way of showing up wherever you go. Maybe that’s why it’s worth choosing a job, or a life, that fits who you really are. Choose wisely my friends! And drink responsibly.....or maybe not at all! :)

Tim Denning's avatar

Is drinking with work people a good idea?

Iustin's avatar

yes. if not exaggerating. they are still people in your life...

Dr. Bronce Rice's avatar

No, I certainly would not recommend it! - and I can't image if that is what you did for a living. lol

Caroline Castrillon's avatar

I love how you always write what everyone’s thinking but never says, Tim. This one is pure truth.

That feeling of being “unexplainable”? 100%. “Are you a writer? Coach? Entrepreneur?”—yes, all and none. It’s time we eliminate society’s boxes once and for all. They’re far too small to contain the full human experience.

Kayla's avatar

Beautifully said. 100% relates to my life. Thanks for reminding me I’m not crazy. And I’ll be okay. Cos sometimes the “misunderstandings” from others gets to me.

Margaret Hodapp's avatar

There’s a song by jelly roll that I think you’ll enjoy….its called I’m not OK (but it’s all gonna be alright)… give it a go….keeps me rollin’!

Graveyard Brother's avatar

Dang does this resonate.

People from where I’m from don’t understand why I moved (everyone here does).

What I’ve done with nursing confuses some people too.

The fact that I started bartending after starting nursing, intrigues others.

And while I’m doing them at the same time, people ask which I like better. I say neither and give them a long answer that confuses them.

At this point, I’m comfortable identifying as a person who makes unconventional choices.

Pajay Haykins's avatar

A lot of people (including my family) don't understand what I do too. The other day, someone in my hood approached me and told me to open a physical workshop to teach people computer training. I replied to him that I work online. He couldn't understand. He was like... "Why are young people so obsessed with this online work thing?" After I ended the conversation with him I laughed and just moved on anyway. I'm living a new reality that'd probably take 2 or more decades for some people to fathom—that’s if they were lucky to figure it out.

Dean Sawyer's avatar

Interesting perspective. Choosing who you help must be done through a conversation and/or series of questions. Seems like a label of life coach would suit the normies & still achieve the same goal.

Julianne Averill's avatar

This is great-one of the few articles that have made sense in a long time. Thank you for sharing.

Tulip's avatar

I’m in. Great listen

Doojin Bek's avatar

Being obscure isn't really a way to become rich, though.

Angelo E's avatar

I'm in

I'm curious

Ailsa Cargill's avatar

I'd add motivational writer/speaker to what you do. Whenever I read you I feel a big boost of motivation, thanks for the words !