so, what do you do?

by Sharon Santoni
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I have been in rebel mode this week, and you know what brought it on? ….. People keep asking me what I do !!!
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I don’t mean strangers walk up to me in the street and just blurt out “hi, what do you do?!” … nothing so straight forward.
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First there was a journalist wanting to write a little mention of the blog and needed some bio on me “and what would you say you do … I mean for a living or to keep you busy?….”   hmmmm….
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Then I needed to apply for a new passport and of course have to fill out the line ‘Occupation‘   hmmmm…..
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And then my son had to complete some insurance forms for a school field trip, and among all the very many, and very useless questions came the inevitable ‘profession of parents‘ ,  I mean what?!  really??   So that my son can jump on a bus and go off for the day with the class, the school needs to ask – again – what I do for a living!!
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It’s not only that I don’t like labels, but it’s also that I feel that we women today are so multi-functional that we can’t be summed up in a one-word description…..  An average week sees me as a mother, a wife, a laundry maid, a painter, a gardener, brocanteur, taxi-driver, cook, blogger, writer, shopper, antique buff, friend, …….
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The thought provoking moments continued:
Tish Jett, on her blog A Femme d’un Certain Age,  wrote a nice piece this week, that got us thinking about our epitaph   …  so difficult to choose?!   ……
  personally I’m currently leaning towards “she never learnt to whistle”.
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A woman who just brought out a best selling book in France was interviewed on the radio.  The journalist asked how she would describe herself “as a writer, an artist, a woman, a wife? …..”  she burst out laughing and told him to come up with a decent question!
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I have children thinking hard about their future lives and careers “WHAT are they going to be when they grow up?”  “darling I’m still trying to decide what I’ll do, and I’m 30 years older than you!”

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So all that got me wondering  ….
If you had to choose just one word to describe yourself what would it be?
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  I don’t mind if you come up with an adjective “wistful, beautiful, straight-talking, manual, impatient ….” or a career label “teacher, nuclear physicist, landscape gardener, mom ….”
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I’m thinking on it , I may tell you my answer later today.
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Oh yes, and if you’re wondering what we ended up  putting on the school forms  ….. after a long debate I was labelled as ‘elephant trainer’ ……  if nothing else it will get them talking!
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……..o..O..o………..
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PS.   Just loving the answers coming in below  …. here is the list so far of the one word titles you are happy to assume :

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woman … smart …independant … me …  passionate  ….  workaholic …  it all ….  loving … happy  ….amazing … creative ….survivor …   compassionate  …. caregiver ….  nursery worker ….  retired  ….  umbrella  ….  juggler  …  nurturer  ….  putterer  ….   encourager  ….  loner  ….lioness  ….  unemployed  …. inspiration ….food writer  ….procrastinator  ….  passenger ….  hedonist ….  CEO  …  grateful …singer …  computer virus expert ….  wordly … geneologist  …polymath …  multifaceted …  practical …  patient …  problem solver  …adventurer  …  cheerful  …. complex …. pool girl …. eccentric ….  unique … purposeful …  nana  …. domestic engineer … happy

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keep ’em coming!!
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Illustrations Schulz;  Google for woman’s day 2013; New Yorker magazine
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99 comments

Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon March 7, 2013 - 12:26 pm

I want to be the smart one.

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Kim March 7, 2013 - 12:41 pm

I want to be labeled Loving. Because I truly love ALL the hats I wear … even when I am complaining!! xo

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Kukkaiselämää - My flowering life March 7, 2013 - 12:43 pm

My answer would my name. It includes me and my person. I'm just Satu.

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Pam March 7, 2013 - 12:59 pm

wouldn't it be nice if instead of people asking "what do you do" they asked.."what do you like to do"?
i'm still thinking of one word…

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Manon-London March 7, 2013 - 1:09 pm

Heyy:-)!! I used to be bothered by the same question. But then I realise that the way people put you into categories is a wondeful freedom. Why? Because, once they've "categorized" (is it english?) they won't ask you questions anymore and you can do what ever you want, without them judging you, being jealous… Of course, it works only with people that you don't care too much about..

the-dancing-skeleton.blogspot.fr/

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Barbara Lilian March 7, 2013 - 1:18 pm

This is something that always gets my blood boiling. I too find it difficult to describe myself in one word!! maybe a 'conjurer' Love how you filled in the form for the school trip that certainly will have their tongues wagging !!

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Silvana March 7, 2013 - 1:19 pm

There's only one word to describe that: WOMAN
🙂

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Eleanor March 7, 2013 - 1:25 pm

Independent.

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Inspirations from The Beach Prairie by SF March 7, 2013 - 1:26 pm

"It All" – sorry…that was two words.

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Sophia Home March 7, 2013 - 1:44 pm

Brilliant Sharon! Loved this post. We women have too many roles for just one label. As for 'Elephant Trainer'…….well, as you say, that will give them something to talk about!

Sophia

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vicki archer March 7, 2013 - 1:53 pm

Workaholic… Just about covers it!! xv

All joking aside… there is no single word that can describe what we women accomplish in any given day… except as SIlvana said… 'woman'… the perfect answer…

I loved your elephant trainer… I can just imagine the raised eyebrows and confusion…

Besides who cares what anybody does… as long as we do… and are happy and fulfilled by our choices… xv

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marty (A Stroll Thru Life) March 7, 2013 - 1:58 pm

Perfect post. I love it. Hugs, Marty

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Louise March 7, 2013 - 2:04 pm

A perfect post Sharon leading into International Women' Day tomorrow…as a mother, ex wife,businesswoman, sister, domestic goddess and accountant…I would describe myself as a … Woman…wish I had thought of elephant trainer years ago when my kids were younger!

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Patti March 7, 2013 - 2:10 pm

Passionate…in all I do in life as most roles of a woman come without any financial remuneration. We do it out of love.

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Denise at Forest Manor March 7, 2013 - 2:29 pm

Perfect post, Sharon!!! I thought we only got this question in the U.S. When our son was small, I stayed home full-time to raise him. I was constantly being asked, "So you don't work?" You know, a "stay at home mom" as opposed to "a working mom." Nothing made my blood boil faster. Then one day I heard a woman say that ALL moms are working moms. Finally!

Elephant trainer is brilliant — how I wish I'd thought of that. 🙂 Have a great week!

Denise

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Karen (Back Road Journal) March 7, 2013 - 2:59 pm

Loved this post, especially your answer on the form of elephant trainer. That will certainly make people take notice. My one word would be Happy. No matter what I'm doing….I'm happy.

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Anonymous March 7, 2013 - 3:04 pm

One word to describe myself? ME. Some days gardner, some days B**ch, some days painter, some days lazy, some days architect, some days designer, some days builder, … ME. (And whenever I had to fill in the line that asks SPOUSE I always put down Robert Redford – one can only hope.)
Love your posts. Thank you for sharing.
Cathy

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Lady Locust March 7, 2013 - 3:08 pm

I sooo love this post. I usually tell kids that when people ask what they want to be when they grow up they should just say 'Happy.' What else matters? What do I do? I live, breathe, dream, love… I have to agree with the others though- do you mind if I become an elephant trainer as well? heehee It's been a rough week already – you made my day- thank you.
Tootles,
JoeyLea
https://thelocustblossom.blogspot.com/

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Anonymous March 7, 2013 - 3:12 pm

Nurturer! I nurture my relationships as a loving wife, Mum, Grandmother and friend. I also nurture my hobbies.. tennis, bridge, reading. I nurture myself so I feel good and look good. I nurture my health in the hope I can be around to enjoy all my loved ones for as long as possible! Life is not perfect for any of us, but making each day as pleasurable as you can for you and all your loved ones, for me is the best way to be happy! Thanks for your great blogs Sharon. Sue x

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Catherine March 7, 2013 - 3:29 pm

What a fantastic post. Thank you for summing it all up so beautifully and starting my day off with a good laugh.

I suppose if you can choose elephant trainer I can then choose JUGGLER. That might be more accurate then anything else I could narrow it down to. Yesterday was one of those days when I felt like I was juggling bowling balls. Today, I am hoping for something a bit lighter.

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Tamms @ Amelie's Farmhouse March 7, 2013 - 3:45 pm

I am a home-renovating, gardening, auctioning, daydreaming, Etsying, mother-turned scientist-turned teacher, homesteading, soap making, daydreamer 🙂 At almost 48 I have finally "found" myself (although I never knew I was lost before). It's funny because the role I like the least is the one that pays the bills.

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corinne March 7, 2013 - 3:46 pm

I hear you and I feel your angst. I consider myself an "Umbrella" because just about everything falls under my umbrella of responsibility. It is also large and round, much like me these days!!!!

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Jennifer March 7, 2013 - 3:57 pm

Wonderful post! For years I went through the same thing and now I just get to say "retired", though I am doing all the same things—you should see the envious looks.

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hopflower March 7, 2013 - 4:09 pm

Like most women, I do a lot of different things, but I am employed as a nursery worker. Plants, not children. I also do gardening for others; rose pruning and annual and perennial plantings, etc. However, it does not annoy me when people ask what I do; they usually man no offence and are just trying to be friendly or even just curious. Many of us do a lot of things daily.

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Katherine March 7, 2013 - 4:18 pm

My Father always taught me that if people ask outrageous or slanting-towards-the-rude type of questions, then give them something to keep their tongues wagging.
So on the cheeky side of things I would have put 'stripper' on the school form … just for fun. They would wonder if I was an exotic dancer in a bar or a furniture re-finisher.
Ok, but on the serious side the one word to describe me would be 'caregiver'. Heaven knows that is what I do in all aspects of my life – take care of everyone {home, business, family} and all their little problems.

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Cathi March 7, 2013 - 4:38 pm

I love that you put elephant trainer. I, too hate that people always ask " what do you do". I don't like being defined by what I do to earn a living as I am far more than that. I couldn't come up with just one so the two words to describe me is " happy" and " compassionate. " great post! xxoo

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Curtains in My Tree March 7, 2013 - 5:34 pm

I'm a survivor of life

I have had several occupations
and marriages
and children

and survivor ed them all , now I'm blogging LOL

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Susan March 7, 2013 - 5:42 pm

I am a retired elephant trainer!

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Harriet March 7, 2013 - 7:04 pm

I love this post. My two words – Amazing ! Creative! Women Are Awesome! I always think it is interesting when people ask that question, because to me it seems that there is pre-concieved idea that women just lallygag, are goof off their days until one happens to get ill and then we are not supposed to. Ha! I enjoy reading your blog.

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Linda March 7, 2013 - 7:18 pm

Oh my, this question has been my personal nemesis forEVER. I refuse to ask other people "what they do", why not instead ask them "what do you LIKE to do"…now that is a question that can truly develop into an interesting conversation.
But I understand that a school would need to know how to reach a parent while a child is in class or even on a field-trip. Adding anything or nothing will not change their ability to reach you in case of an emergency… so Elephant Trainer is perfect.
I've been known to use any one of these professions: CEO, Tennis Instructor, Teacher, Doctor, Designer, Artist, Mechanic and the list goes on and on….

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Eileen March 7, 2013 - 7:25 pm

I love this post. This is a very common question in America, almost immediately upon meeting someone. After the introductions and the "hello, nice to meet you" inevitably comes the "what do you do" question. I find it irritating because they mean, of course, what is your job, what do you get paid to do – that's what they're asking. And to be honest, my actual "job" is the least of what I do and who I am. My life is so much more interesting and worthwhile than just what I do to bring home a paycheck. I don't see why anyone should be labeled that way. If I had my preference, I'd put down that I'm a seeker and creator of beauty in the home. I design wallpaper and fabrics for fun. My idea of a perfect day is hanging out with my friends and husband to be while exploring someplace new. I freelance and blog and run a tiny little business on the side just for the enjoyment of it. I love dogs, dishes, pillows, decorating and photography. I love to putter about the house. In fact, I'm a first-class putterer – maybe I'll say that the next time I get asked that question. That would sort of encompass everything I "do." 🙂

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Marilyn Leslie March 7, 2013 - 7:51 pm

Great post Sharon. I decribe you as a photographer writer since you post such gorgeous photos and write beautifully. If I were to describe myself in one word… don't laugh, an encourager!

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Victoria March 7, 2013 - 8:12 pm

This is going to sound horrible but mine would be "loner". Now that my boys are raised and I'm currently not working, I'm enjoying my quiet solitude and alone time with my husband/best friend:)

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Lorrie March 7, 2013 - 8:16 pm

I LOVE this post. I HATE that question. I think I'm going to take a lesson from the woman interviewed and tell the next person who asks me that to think of a decent question.
Lioness is the word I would use to label myself. I'm protective of my family, my time, my resources. I prowl about looking for ways to occupy myself. I lead. I hunt and forage (okay, at the grocery store). I'm proud of who I am. I like to lie in the warm sunshine.

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Joann Borden March 7, 2013 - 8:31 pm

1 word….enemployed. The really bright side is discovering blogs. I Googled info for a home decor project and TADA. I have accomplished more projects for my home using what I have (which includes a plethora of paint) in the last 6 months than I did in the last 2 years. I've even managed to sell some of the things I make.
I thoroughly enjoyed your post. Years ago I had a cocktail party with 1 caveat…you could not ask anyone "What do you do?" People were a little nervous at first but soon found other topics of conversation. I'm sure the libations helped. The point of it was to not label ourselves. I thought it was a great success and so did a number of my guests. There were those who weren't so enthralled. Oh well. Love your blog and thanks for listening.

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Becky C March 7, 2013 - 9:20 pm

Oh friend, you really struck a chord with me here…as I totally understand what you are feeling! Like you, I have "been" so many things- I taught Kindergarten for 13 years, I've been a "landman" for three years, and now I homeschool my 3 kids, decorate my home for several magazines, clean, wash, and the list goes on…and at 41,I think maybe I want to open a shop now or have barn sales??
One word? "inspiration"
Just maybe, hopefully, I can be an inspiration to my girls…that you can be EVERYTHING you want to be 🙂

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Stacey Snacks March 7, 2013 - 9:21 pm

You are a freelance writer, stylist, antiques dealer, as well as an "inn keeper", if you want to get down to brass tacks.

I always say I am a "food writer", if I feel it will start a conversation, otherwise, I say I am an antiques appraiser.

Sometimes Henry says he is a dermatologist, and people shut up right away.
xo

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Mary March 7, 2013 - 9:27 pm

Procrastinator – BECAUSE there are too many other interesting things that keep me from doing the interesting thing I planned for today!!!

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Nantucket Daffodil March 7, 2013 - 9:33 pm

passenger….on a fabulous life journey (also a mom, wife, middle school teacher, cook, gardener, writer, blogger….maid, decorator…etc…..and I LOVE ALL of my roles!)

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Karen March 7, 2013 - 10:21 pm

Sharon,
It's a toss up for me between wife and mother, two jobs I've been very good at during my life.
Karen

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Anonymous March 7, 2013 - 10:25 pm

Healer

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Mom E. March 7, 2013 - 10:38 pm

My epitaph will read:

"Tried to help,…..and got in the way…."

Hearts,
Betsy

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essentially australian March 7, 2013 - 10:58 pm

Elephant trainer…Love this…can't keep it to one word…however…allround maintenance woman!

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Anonymous March 7, 2013 - 11:11 pm

I thought this question may be peculiar to Australia's so-called "classless society". Apparently not. I reply I am a "kept woman". Kind regards, Deidre.

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Gail, northern California March 7, 2013 - 11:14 pm

Maybe the best word would be "juggler". 😉 Form designers have not caught up with today's world, especially a world that now holds the internet. I'm still amazed and delighted that I can write to a woman living in France, a woman generous enough to share her passions. I found a recent post absolutely enchanting…where in less than 10 minutes you had created the perfect hostess gift with watercolors and hellebores.

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Acquired Objects March 7, 2013 - 11:14 pm

I was going to say treasure hunter but that's my job so if I had to come up with one word that best describes me it would be, and I had to go ask my husband and he said "cheerful".

XXX
Debra~

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Nic March 8, 2013 - 12:52 am

Adventurer

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Charlotte Des Fleurs March 8, 2013 - 1:14 am

Problem-Solver. That covers everything from my 9-5 job, to my DIY adventures, to my interior and garden designs, not to mention being a wife and mother.

🙂 From My Slice of Provence,

Charlotte

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Sarah March 8, 2013 - 2:21 am

Patient ` this is a fun idea. '-)

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 2:23 am

Exactly. That is why it is considered rude in some European countries to ask the question.

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Susan Libertiny March 8, 2013 - 2:27 am

Gardener =)

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 2:35 am

I hear some one say this once, and now I used it for quite sometime. After talking to her husband, the person turned to her and asked, "And what do you do?" Her answer? "Whatever I want." Whenever I say this, it gets a big laugh and everything is dropped!

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Pat March 8, 2013 - 4:02 am

Practical

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Brenda March 8, 2013 - 4:24 am

The word to best describe me – Multifaceted. Kinda like a diamond that catches all the colours of life and throws them around in a splendid visual rainbow. Yep that's me.

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Julie March 8, 2013 - 4:29 am

polymath

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Nana Rose March 8, 2013 - 5:38 am

Loved the reply "what ever I want". Wish I had known that years ago. Now I am "retired". When I had no children I was a "teacher" of children. When I became a wife/mother etc I used the term on forms "domestic engineer" and filled in the education part with BS (which is true, Bachelor of Science in History). Then I began to do what I wanted to do and that has been the best of all. What do I do, "I dig up the dead". I am a professional genealogist. That either stops them in their tracks or gets some wonderful stories from others on their ancestors. I love your blog for your wonderful prose and pictures. I also enjoy your readers comments. Imagine us all at a wonderful lunch somewhere, wouldn't that be fun.

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Sophia "Sophie" Stone March 8, 2013 - 6:05 am

wordly…I love to learn and be inspired each and every day!

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Julia March 8, 2013 - 6:19 am

What I do, is "internet threat analyst" aka 'computer virus expert' – I am one of those who protect cyber space from the criminals, hackers, Bad Guys. I help to produce the anti-virus software that keeps you all safe on the internet. Given my age and sex this causes strangers to pause, look at me again and say "Really? You don't look like a geek!" Which amuses me enormously.

Can't really put that in one word.

But yes, that is my day job and a very small part of what I do, and I do so hate being labelled by my job title but I do enjoy the look of surprise when people ask and I tell them!

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 6:41 am

My word would be "SINGER"…I am an amazing singer!

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cheri March 8, 2013 - 6:42 am

I enjoy being me, just turned 60 and going strong. I'm heading to Paris in May with my best childhood friend. We'll be two gal pals living it up without the husbands….

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 7:53 am

Last year my word was GRATEFUL.

This year my word is FORTITUDE.
Sylvia FAye

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Trudy Desmet March 8, 2013 - 8:02 am

For the moment I do not have a job. It is very frustating when people or friends asks you about your activity. It is almost a year now. I try to structure my life and to learn about life.
I instruct myself by going to school again at 45 years. My day is always fully occupied. I discovered that when you are unemployed you do not longer belong to the society.

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 9:38 am

I'm the CEO of a little family business. love Dorka from the meadows in Hungary http://www.dorottyaudvar.co.hu

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Mumbai March 8, 2013 - 10:35 am

In our time nothing counts more than to be very very busy, best in a very very high position with very , very less time. But oh, you know how stupid that lady
looked when I answered her question "I am….and what do you do my dear?" with
"I'm a hedonist." I mean are we only labelled by a top job and isn't be a mother, wife, gardener ….enough? We women are real jongleurs by doing so much.

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Sari Ojala March 8, 2013 - 1:00 pm

Just happy!

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Jules March 8, 2013 - 1:50 pm

Domestic Engineer. I know, it's two words. As an American I often feel as if I am defined by what I do for a paycheck. But my most meaningful work is in my home. No paycheck, but benefits and rewards that are more valuable than money.

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 3:03 pm

I am what I am…

but what I DO for living and earning the money to pay my bills – well..that's a whole different story!

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emmachas March 8, 2013 - 3:22 pm

My favorite role in life is 'Nana'. My least favorite is 'peacemaker'.

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susanwennerstrom.com March 8, 2013 - 4:39 pm

A woman of purpose – purposeful – in all the things I love to do! I am so enjoying your blog! In your busy wonderful life could you find time to stop by mine???

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Laurie March 8, 2013 - 4:55 pm

I am unique!

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PURA VIDA March 8, 2013 - 5:11 pm

I am an encourager! Rev:2:17
And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it

I so hope that mine is ENCOURAGER

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La Contessa March 8, 2013 - 5:31 pm

ECCENTRIC

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Colleen Taylor March 8, 2013 - 6:01 pm

I love your answer but for me, and great post Sharon. I wear so many hats that it might bore you or anyone to read all that I do. I've taught myself to do just about everything except to tile or roof a house & I'm not kidding. I have not a pretentious bone in my body nor am I boastful, however, other women tend to not want to connect with me because I'm afraid I intimidate them with knowing how to do so many things. I try to teach or show them how but they're not interested. I try to figure out how "to do it myself" instead of paying a man to do the same thing, usually it works.

My plan is to hopefully teach some multi-media art classes so I can encourage and be helpful to others. Maybe that will make them feel that they can connect with me.
I think my answer to make this short is Pool Girl since I've had to fix some things on our pool this week.

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 6:45 pm

Complex

-SSH

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Vicki March 8, 2013 - 6:52 pm

I believe I have just read my most favorite post from you EVER, Sharon!

I am equally militant on this issue, hating leashes and labels. My mother recently died…we just buried her yesterday morning…and she hadn't worked outside the home for nearly sixty years, yet she'd worked tirelessly to support my father in his home-based business, was an incredible mother/sister/aunt/friend/daughter/cousin just to name a few, had an encyclopedia in her head about vintage toys, baseball cards, dolls, coins, stamps; antique china, silver, fabric, quilts, furniture, books; I couldn't stop writing about her in the obituary and it filled more than one page of our local newspaper. She was productive, useful and did thoughtful things for others without ever tooting her own horn.

I agree that most women wear many, many hats and fulfill so many roles. Maybe Mom wasn't President of this club or that organization, perhaps she wasn't on the Board of this or that and, yes, she didn't have some lauded, name-brand career, but she was an important person in many people's lives over nearly ninety years. We all fill some purpose in the world in the time we're here. If each one of us tried to do the best we could in our own small corner of the world for the time we're here, all the corners would surely add up to a better place…and I think that's what my humble mother tried hard to do for the whole of her life. She taught us to be kind, especially to old people, animals, children and those with challenges.

We all can't be international movers and shakers…we all can't be the one to find the cure for cancer…and it's going to take more than one person to discover the secret for peace on Earth, although thank God many intelligent, inspirational, trained, experienced, talented, knowledgeable, ethical, dedicated, selfless, forward-thinking people do populate the planet; however, the homeless guy out there who manages to scrounge up a little doggie coat for his companion dog in the cold weather, or the busy working mom out there who's also taking care of her Alzheimer's-ridden father, the factory worker who stands long hours on her feet at a boring job so that she can come up with enough money this month to not default on her daughter's tuition…what more can be said for the many heroes and heroines out there who defy all labels and who quietly do the right things?

Bravo, Sharon. When I rescue my next elephant, I know now where to turn!

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Anonymous March 8, 2013 - 10:15 pm

"Creatrice". Thank you for your blog, love it! I enjoy reading it daily even though I often do not leave any comments. Dawn Fleming

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peggy braswell March 8, 2013 - 10:40 pm

Executive-in every sense of the word. Love this post! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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French Heart March 8, 2013 - 11:24 pm

Love the post Sharon. And so understand–not appreciating labels, etc.

I've always liked to get to the essence of things and have said my deceased husband's essence was kindness, our son's grace, mine C-R-E-A-T-I-V-E. Capital C. Or flaming witch. You choose 😉

Happy Woman's Day. Thanks for the laugh!

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jeanne March 9, 2013 - 12:29 am

I was once asked during an interview (for a position answering phones)- what would be your perfect job if you could pick anything to do. Well, I answered I would like to be a chocolatier or a travel photographer. (Really who would dream as a young child that they would like to spend their day answering a phone.) Don't laugh I got the job.

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Millie March 9, 2013 - 1:59 am

What we do for work has absolutely NO bearing on any of this stupid paperwork mate! For the past 22 years I've always happily written 'INTERNATIONAL MOVIE STAR' in every form I've ever filled in under Occupation, sounds better than boring old Sales Manager. I've sailed through Sydney & LAX Customs desks a zillion times & never had one query, not even a raised eyebrow…..must be the Aussie larrikin in me they forgive. Give it a try, I promise it will give you a great sense of empowerment!
Millie xx

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c. Joy March 9, 2013 - 3:44 am

Doer of good deeds. (I put it on every document that asks my occupation.)

Long ago I used to answer the question "what do you do for a living?" BREATHE

I'm amazed that anyone would want to sum up their life with one word. Is it only that way for women? Does everyone assume a man is a father/James Bond/professional (fill in the blank)/lover/son/husband/etc… You've got me thinking. I like this post. Looking forward to your answer.

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Anonymous March 9, 2013 - 5:19 am

What a wonderful post Sharon, I've always bristled at being asked what I "do" because usually it's a definitive label the asker is looking for and who of us are any one thing consistently either in any given day or over a lifetime? What do I 'do'? My favourite response is to say 'I'm living my life' and on any given day that could involve a variety of skills or nothing special at all, Bette.

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Amelia March 9, 2013 - 5:22 am

Mom of the Dragonslayer…:) A family joke but can't resist putting it here.

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Noelle March 9, 2013 - 9:16 am

Flexible.

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pink*cherub*moon March 9, 2013 - 9:45 am

I always say that when I grow up, I want to be ME! Let's see, one word. Free-spirit

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Sue March 9, 2013 - 5:51 pm

As someone stated earlier, here in America "what do you do?" is the most common question. Sadly, "what we do" is so very important and places some type of value on you as a human being. Once I answered, "nothing", the other person was stunned and not another word was said. This question plagues me and makes me feel undervalued as a contributor to society. I won't go into the details of what I did when…, it doesn't apply now. I have done plenty and contributed much. I have decided that when asked that question again I will answer, "nothing and everything." Pretty clear. Describe myself in one word… idealistic. Can be exhausting at times because reality is so very real, but being idealistic can be so much more pleasant (when it all works out anyway).

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Celine March 9, 2013 - 10:12 pm

It’s a very good post! I would say unique. We are all unique!

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cocoquilts March 10, 2013 - 1:25 am

Such a great post!! Funny you should be speaking of this point. I recently had a phone call from the Farm Bureau regarding paperwork that I filled out to qualify for health insurance asking this very question because I had left the Occupation line unanswered. My reply was that I do not have an occupation to which he decided that "Housewife" was the appropriate answer and how wonderful of a title I should be so happy to carry. Needless to say he wanted off the phone asap as he was sure that he had "stepped in it" by my tone! I believe "Everything" fits best! Seriously, living in the country, raising 4 kids while your husband works hours away! I have worn many different hats! Yes, Everything is the best answer!

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Wendy Sice March 10, 2013 - 6:57 am

I am kind of surprised by all these comments! I love being able to say
"Kindergarten teacher" when the what do you do question is asked. I always knew I wanted to have a career and be able to be financially independent. I love making little children happy to come to school, and to help them find a passion for learning. Sometimes I have to do hours of paperwork to plan lessons, and to report on each of the children in my class. Sometimes the petty squabbles between the staff and the politics within the school are frustrating, but I love that I do something to contribute to the growth of society. I am thankful for my holidays because that is when I can do pretty much whatever I want, but I enjoy knowing that my influence in life goes beyond just the four walls of my home.

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Today's Treasure by Jen March 10, 2013 - 10:18 am

Like all women, I wear many hats. I would like to think that regardless of the hat, I can use the single word of "optimist" to best describe me. Thank you for giving us all a "me" moment today! xo

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Strandsigi March 10, 2013 - 4:31 pm

What about "family manager"? Sounds great to me 🙂

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moet b. March 10, 2013 - 6:17 pm

what about "free spirited artistic consultant"? which means we have a lot of opinions, talents and advice to give about lots of things! Especially if you have children! 🙂

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Chicatanyage March 11, 2013 - 9:55 am

Joyful. If I could have lived a life full of Joy I would be content.

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MelinArt March 11, 2013 - 11:45 am

I agree and understand not wanting to be put in a box and certainly asking for a profession is over used in admin forms! But it is nice in conversation when people want to get to know you to give them a summary or an opener. The occupation is just that, an opener. An adjective (smart, encourager) is nice but for me it feels fairly closed if not surrounded by the story around it. If housewife/mother/retired does not suit you, because let's face it, society is not kind with those professions…then maybe CEO of my house/family works!

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Anonymous March 11, 2013 - 3:07 pm

I am a renaissance woman. A sort of "jack of all trades, master of a few".

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shannon March 11, 2013 - 5:31 pm

I am an "empty nester" now with a career that does have a title. But for years I was a stay at home mom. I had many of the same "job descriptions" as you, and enjoyed it immensely. Now with a full time job that does have some rewarding recognition, I have to say I long for the days I was home…being a "Creative Domesticator". I guess if I were you, next time someone asks you that question, I would probably answer, "I'm living the dream!"

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Suzanne at Lake and Garden March 12, 2013 - 1:03 am

Great post! Thank you! I usually put N/A! Same for religion and race and income! Nosey, nosey, nosey….

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téï March 12, 2013 - 8:44 pm

Déjà beaucoup de commentaires, tant pis!Même enervement et les gens qui disent aux femmes à la maison "tu es toujours en vacances". J'ai travaillé à l'extérieur, je sais ce que c'est et quand j'ai arrêté je ne trouvais pas que "je ne travaillais pas"!Bien, très bien toutes les propositions!

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Employees Need to Own Their Success December 11, 2014 - 9:57 am

[…] Image Courtesy of My French Country Home […]

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