My daughter is in preschool and loves every second of it. Recently, my husband and I attended back-to-school night where we had the opportunity to meet her teacher, see her classroom and hear about what a wonderful child she is.
Ahem. Well, that’s what we hope for as parents, isn’t it?
We walked in and were greeted by her awesome teachers and had so much fun looking around the room. After hearing all about how our four year-old spends most of her time there at school, the teacher then announced that we (us parents) had some homework to do.
So, she handed each of us a blue paper bag.
She called the bag the “OB.”
No, it has nothing to do about the Gyno – it’s actually an “Occupational Bag.” In an effort to teach the children about some of the jobs that mommies and daddies have, we are to put some items into the bag that demonstrate our occupation so the children can each talk about them and discuss.
I brought the bag home and stared at it.
Occupation. MY occupation.
What in the hell was I going to put in there?
As many of you know, I am no longer a classroom teacher. I’ve since let go of the title of Adjunct Professor to instead, follow a new path. I’ve taken on the titles of Professional Blogger, Freelance Writer and Business Owner – but how will this translate to a bunch of four year-old kids?
I could just hear the conversation now, “Your mommy is a blogger? What’s that?”
I panicked for a moment. What’s a Theta Mom to do?
After a bit of soul searching about what I was to put in the OB, I knew exactly what I needed to put inside of it and more importantly, what I would share with my daughter.
Needless to say, I decided about a year ago that I was never again to be afraid to tell the world what it is that I do because our blogs serve as our virtual online resumes. And yes, blogging can become a real job. I am living proof of that.
Here is what I ended up placing in the bag:
I actually can’t wait for my daughter to stand up in front of her peers and beam with pride, “My mommy is a blogger and she absolutely loves what she does. My mommy must be super smart because she is able to work AND play with me at home. Yeah, I think that’s pretty awesome.”
Lindsey says
Bravo!! I think what you put in there is perfect, and I am absolutely, unequivocally certain that your daughter is very proud of you. I know it! xo
Theta Mom says
Thank you Lindsey! I am SO proud of us mamas who have found a way to do what we love – blog, write and connect and somehow, make it all work with our kids. We’re hard working, well educated women who are blessed with the technology to make it all happen!
Thank goodness for the internet and our blogs!
xo
Stephanie SassyModernMom says
A perfect answer! I too have struggled when asked what I do, shamefully, more often than not I just say I work from home I must re-think this answer. Blogging can be and has become a for me a full time job!
Theta Mom says
I have TOTALLY been there Stephanie! There shouldn’t be any shame attached to it because we work so hard at what we do – and yes, our blogs CAN lead to amazing opportunities, you are also proof of that my friend!
This should be our new mantra, the kind of working mom job we are proud to share with the world!
Making It Work Mom says
I don’t blog as a business, I have another full time job that brings in the cash, but I have to say that my children love the blogging side of my life. It is so funny to me that my 6 year old knows exactly how the blogging world works.
Theta Mom says
It amazes me how much they understand it, too! In a world full of apps and technology, I guess it would be hard not to “get it.”
Thanks for reading
Kristi says
I, too, struggled with this after leaving my “fun sounding” job as Starbucks manager. I write, creative and connect. I currently creating a children’s book and an autobiography. Maybe it’s not making Frappuccinos but I’m happy. Kids understand happy
Theta Mom says
They sure do understand happy – and when MAMA is happy, everyone’s happy 😉
Susi says
I am working to make my blogging a career. I love everything to do with blogging and hope to make it work. My kids love that I blog and will tell anyone who wants to listen. Reading this gave me hope that I can do this!!!!
Jackie says
One day I will have a bag with the exact same contents and will be more than proud to share what I do with everyone. Right now I don’t feel that way.
I know that your daughter will have the best bag in class because it will be unique and fun!
Kristen @ Motherese says
Super smart and pretty awesome. Yup, that about sums you up! Love how you tackled this project. xo
Theta Mom says
Thank you Kristen – for reading and for writing such a nice comment! xo
Alison says
You’re blazing a trail, Heather!
Single Mom in the South says
Good for you! Some day I will make this work for me as well!
Ali says
This will become easier for kids to explain soon: Disney has a new show coming out called Dog With A Blog. Pretty soon all kids will know what a blog is and it will be SO COOL!
Babes about Town says
Damn straight!
Vodka Logic says
It shouldn’t be a surprise to the teacher…everyone is a blogger these days.. sports figures, politicians, mommies, Real Housewives of… and me occasionally.
Stand proud.. now try to explain to someone what a Medical Technologist is… or an immunohematologist..
Let us know how it went
Nina says
You did that perfectly! That assignment would have given me a heart attack as I’m STILL at the non-professional stage (well, at least making no money stage) for the most part.
Theta Mom says
Nina, I like to think of the blogging gig as a stepping stone – our blogs serve as our virtual online resume, so when that consulting gig, book deal, or new job opportunity comes along, you’ll know that it was the BLOG that got you from point A to point B.
I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if I never published here first – and I am *sure* you will be saying the same thing about your own blog!
Katherine says
I started out as a simple woman that found a new way to write via the world of blogging. Amazingly, that led me into a career that I love with its creativity and the freedoms that it holds. Who would have guessed that you could make a living at it? Not me, but here I am with 4 clients in my roster and still going strong after almost 3 years.
Congrats on finding your niche and proclaiming it proudly! Way to go Blogger!
Galit Breen says
I love what you put in your bag, and I love that you own what you do!
{Damn, do you ever deserve it!}
xo
Elaine A. says
Yes! I love this. SO much. Good for you for being proud of what you do. And yes, definitely Super Smart! 😀