So, How Much do you Make?

by Traci Anderson | More from this Blogger

23 Jan 2007 09:06 PM

It happened again this week...twice. I was talking with a friend of mine about my home-based businesses. It didn't take long before she asked, "so, are you guys doing okay?" What? Doing okay? Was someone ill? Did I sound sad? Clearly confused...I asked, "what do you mean, am I doing okay?" She answered, "oh..I mean, financially."

Later that week, I was excitedly telling another friend about my writing endeavors. Without hesitation she replied, "so...what do you actually make?"

I have been a work-at-home mom for five years now and it seems like every-time I talk about my various "gigs" someone is questioning my financial situation. The conversations always seem to develop into a "let's see how much money Traci makes" quiz show.

I suppose the curiosity makes sense. While we can figure out the price tags for most professions, home-based business incomes are pretty mysterious...

Doctors = 100,000+ Mechanics = 20,000-30,000 Teachers = 20,000-40,000 Cashiers = Minimum Wage Police Officers - 30,000-50,000

Home-Based Writers, Direct Sellers, Transcriptionists, Bloggers, Website Designers, Proof-Readers, etc...= who knows?.

Miss Manners would suggest that we never, ever ask people how much money they make. Why does basic etiquette go out the window when it comes to home-based professions? If you don't commute to an office everyday are questions about your income suddenly fair game?

I have yet to figure out where the curiosity about home-based incomes stems from. Is it possible that some people truly believe that most "stay-at-home moms" simply sit around, watch soap operas and eat bon-bons all day? If so, perhaps my friends are simply wondering how they can apply for the seemingly lucrative "bon-bon eating" gig.

All kidding aside, I wonder if those of you who have home-businesses have experienced this phenomenon. If so, how do you respond to people who ask you what you make? Do you tell them or do you leave them guessing.

Personally, I like to mess with people a bit. I'll always respond, but I love to be vague and keep them guessing. "Well, this month was tight...but last month, all I can say is....'WOW'."

Post your experiences (and your income) in the comments section. I am sure our readers would LOVE to know how much you make too!

Related Articles: This Little Piggy's Book of Manners Ten Stupid Things that Guests Do - Count Them! Guest Etiquette: Dos, Don'ts and Dips

Learn more about Traci Anderson

Traci is a work-at-home-mom (WAHM) from beautiful Big Sky Country (Montana). She spends most of her time trying to keep up with two extremely energetic (but hysterical) Irish twins.

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Michele Thorne (461) 24 Jan 2007 10:55 AM

I have actually found, when talking with friends who ask the infamous question (and there have been quite a few), that they aren't trying to be nosey about my personal business. They actually want to know because they aren't happy with what they are doing, they are looking for a way to make extra income, or are thinking about doing what I am doing. When the question first comes up, I usually give a vague answer and see if the conversation goes further into the questions or comments about them looking for something to do.

Traci Anderson (970) 24 Jan 2007 11:54 PM

Great point Michele! Many of my friends also ask me what I earn because they are interested in having a home-based business. Rather than getting annoyed so quickly...I need to stop and consider the motivation. Thanks for your insightful comments!

Julie Gentry (5915) 29 Jan 2007 03:11 AM

I think Michele's right; they'd like to be doing it, too, and wonder if it generates enough income for them to give it a try. If you don't want to give them a straight answer, tell them you make more than you would flipping burgers, but not nearly as much as you're worth ;-).

Salena (127) 04 Feb 2007 10:44 PM

I really find that since I started my own business that is a very tricky subject, so, in liu of sounding very tacky, I just tell them.

"Between 2000-4000 a month, do you want a breakdown? I own my home, I bought a new car (paid cash, in full by the way..just FYI) , daughter goes to Private school and I have one CC and I pay it off in FULL every MONTH, and it's worth 1/2 a grand....every MONTH. Would you be interested in my bank balance also? Because I'll bet I my have more in the bank then you have, but I feel that a 5000 minimum in the bank is a requirement, a necessity, not a luxury"

All of the above is true, but I make sure I say it in a really sort of snippy voice. I am an opinionated sort, but then again, I earned it.

That pretty much shut's em up