"SO, WHAT DO YOU REALLY DO?"

“So, what do you really do?” …In the past week, I’ve been asked that question multiple times. It’s been asked by genuine, well-meaning people who just want to get to know me better. Sometimes, I can barrel right through that question without even batting an eye…but there are other times when it really throws me off.

For context, I was recently leading worship at a local church here in Nashville and afterwards, I was introduced to a kind, elderly lady who said to me, “You did a wonderful job today! Thank you for leading us. So, what do you do for a real job?” Her countenance was so sweet and, in the moment, I simply smiled and responded to her, saying “Well…this is me! This is what I do!” as I pointed back at my guitar propped up on the stage. I didn’t feel the need to defend myself or make my answer complicated, because this woman didn’t seem complicated or like someone I needed to defend myself against. She was kind and innocent in her pursuit to get to know me.

Another time this week when I got asked what I do, professionally, I got so tangled up in my words that I kinda I panicked, wondering, “Should say I’m a worship leader?? No, no, I should say I’m a songwriter! A musician?! No, wait! I should say I’m in between jobs and figuring things out right now, RIGHT?!!” In this situation, I’ll admit that I was just trying to figure out how to give an answer that this person either wanted to hear or could easily understand. As I fumbled over my words, my husband, seeing my struggle, came immediately to the rescue and started talking about the things I’m currently working on, and bragging on me until my face was as red as a beat…but I couldn’t be mad at him for it ‘cause he’s the best and he did rescue me after all. I really love him.

Anywho, whether you’re a creative person whose job is too tough to describe in a short conversation with a stranger (i.e. songwriter, artist, illustrator, author, singer, producer, or a-little-bit-of-everything-er…), an entrepreneur, a full-time stay-at-home mom, a full-time or part-time minister, or just someone who’s in-between jobs or careers, I bet you get asked this question sometimes, too.

I thought it might be fun as a piggy back off of my first post on “DOING THINGS” to discuss how we deal when we're asked this question! Why do we panic or feel the need to defend ourselves or have it all figured out?! Why do so, so many people get awkward at this stage of conversation other than it just being generally uncomfortable to talk about ourselves?! (Ha. Just me? K, that's fine too. ;) I really would love to glean any wisdom that I can from y’all about how YOU typically answer this question! So…

-How do y’all respond when asked “What do you really do?” or “What do you do professionally”?
-Do you ever struggle to answer that question? Have you overcome this? And lastly,
-HOW?!?!?!!! I’M ASKING FOR A FRIEND, OK!!!! ;)

Let’s talk about it!!!

xo, Haley