I’ve always wondered why some people usually saw the need to look down on some things they do. Especially when talking to others about it and even if it’s a big deal, they simply downplay it and try to pass it off as nothing when it’s indeed something.
For instance, someone who has a job but decides to take on a side hustle that’s pretty simple and affordable. It’s going well, but when you talk to them about it, they’ll never refer to it as a business. This is weird because they spend money to fund the business and they also hope to make money off it as well. Of course, it’s a business!
Is this a form of humility? Or are they just trying not to be a showoff so people don’t think they’re more than they actually are? Honestly, I don’t get the logic of the mentality, I simply prefer to call a spade a spade. If you’re doing something for money, then it’s a business. If it’s just for your pleasure, regardless of whether you’re making money off it or not, then it’s a hobby. This is because you’re not responsible for people’s perception of you.
You don’t have to make yourself look bad just so that others can feel better about themselves. Even if you’re the only one in your circle with a side gig, feel free to call it what it is. If your friends are smart, they’ll ask you to show them the way. But downplaying something you’re clearly working hard at and something that’s working for you is just not cool.
What’s inspiring this rant? Well, I have a friend who sells these SME data online. It’s something she’s been doing since before she gained admission and she’s doing pretty well now because she makes major sales almost every day, thanks to how our greedy network providers suck our data like vampires!
Anyway, she’s doing pretty well, I’m saying this based on what she told me about the work. She’s doing well enough that she can take care of herself in school and doesn’t have to always call back home for financial assistance. When her parents send her monthly allowance, she uses it to buy only foodstuff because she has already paid for every other thing she needs in school. That’s how good this business is helping her.
But funny enough, when I ask her, “How is your business?” or “How is work?” She’s always like, “I don’t have business oo! Do I look like a businesswoman?!” Or “I don’t have work!” Then, I’ll be confused because I know that she’s still selling data, and she then tells me that it’s not business for her, it’s just something she’s doing for the main time until she gets a better option.
A better option will surely come because she’s an industrious fellow, but for some reason, she doesn’t seem to accept the fact that her data business is the only option. I’m sure that if it was taken from her suddenly, school life was going to be difficult for her, so she needed the business to work.
But then, what do I know? She’s probably doing it so people don’t assume she has money and start billing her, or so her parents don’t think she has made it big and stop sending in funds. Because when you’re a student, you’ll always need money for something, no matter how much money you have already.
So, what am I trying to say? Whatever it is you’re doing, be proud of it and no matter how little it is, treat it as the business it is. Be ready to show it off because it’s only when you do that people will be comfortable enough to patronize you.
Many people may have reasons for downplaying the worth of their businesses, and if you’re one, I ask that you think about the reason and then ask yourself why. Is it for your own good? Is it for the good of others? If it’s the former, then you’re good and
fine. If not, you need to have a rethink and start thinking more about yourself.
I hope this message reaches you well.
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Indeed, there were those types of people that are downplaying either their business and I also wonder why they do that like its not as if they were stealing or anything . For me, as long as one does not steal or hurt others, he should be proud no matter what type of job or business they have.
Exactly! We're not committing any crimes, so we have nothing to be ashamed of.
I think there can be one more possible reason. It because maybe others feel jealous if they know she is making money. Many people used to pinch by saying s/he is making money easily. Bla bla. Bla. Most of people only see the effort but don't try to see the hard work behind and maybe for that she doesn't try to accept it as business in front of others but she believes it from the inside.
That could be a reason as well.
It's sad that people have to live this way though. You can't be open because of the billing and jealousy that would come of it.
At the beginning of the post, I thought your message was about some people that looks down on what they do with some kinds of inferiority complex. But when I read further, I understand the category that you are referring to.
In my opinion, I don't see reason why one would not regard what is bringing in money to him or her after investing an amount as business. Irrespective of what they think, others would continue to such as a business. I think it is better to take it for what it is.
Yeah... let's do better. Accept our jobs or side gigs for what they are. No need looking down on them.
In the same way, if we are not honest with our business or with our job, we will never become a successful person in our life if we are doing business and not treating our employees well or If we don't like our employees, they are stealing, then the business will never be successful.