"So, how much do you actually make from this 'blogging' thing, then?"

It always goes the exact same way.

"So, you're still working from home, then?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Hmmm. Still doing that 'blogging' thing?"

"I am, yes."

* Pause *

"And you actually make money from that then?"

No matter how prepared I am for the question, it rankles every time. And I know why people ask it. I know blogging is still, despite the apparent "buzz" that still surrounds it, not something that many people understand, and something that still fewer people understand as a money-making enterprise. Many people, especially those of the older generation, don't really know what a blog is, and those who do know often assume that all blogs are personal diaries, and how could you make money out of telling people what you had for dinner that day, anyway?

Even so, the vague implication that the career I've had for years now can't possibly be making me any money, is always a little disheartening. What do these people think I live off, anyway? Thin air? But no matter how resigned I am to constantly being asked whether I actually make money from blogging, it's the next question that always takes my breath away:

"How much do you make, then?"

Again, I know the subject is interesting to some people. I understand that they may even be wondering if they, too, could make some money out of sitting around in their pyjamas all day watching daytime TV, which is what most people seem to assume those who work from home do all day. (Isn't it funny how the phrase "Working in your pyjamas," always seems to come up in these conversations?) But I was brought up to believe that it's rude to ask people about money, and I wouldn't dream of asking someone how much they earn. I don't know, maybe I'm old fashioned. But the thing is, many of the people who ask me what I earn, wouldn't dream of asking the same question of someone with a traditional job either, so it seems that we bloggers/freelance writers/work from home-ers are a special case, and normal manners don't apply to us.

I long ago learned to hedge the question with a smile and a "Well, enough to pay the mortgage and keep me in shoes!" but some people can be incredibly persistent and won't take the hint, choosing instead to pursue the matter, saying, "No, really: what would you make in a month, say?" and leaving me opening and closing my mouth in astonishment, not really knowing what to say.

Perhaps it's just me. Perhaps I'm just more private or old-fashioned than most, but the constant questioning of my bank balance is one of the aspects of working for myself that I've found hardest to deal with, and I don't really like being asked to disclose my earnings at the drop of a hat.

What about you? Are you asked questions about your earnings by friends and family members? Does it bother you, if so?

Comments

[Melanie]

"Enough to keep me in hookers and blow. How about you?" is a fine response to such rudeness.

[Quibian Salazar-Moreno]

Hey Amber,

Love the site! Here's the funny thing about my situation. Everybody thinks I make tons of money. I write for quite a few websites/blogs and also write for some magazines and newspapers. When I run down a list of who I write for everyone is like "wow".

I have a few consistent gigs, but nothing I can live on so I'm always looking for the next outlet to write for to make ends meet and people always ask, "Why? You write for all those people, blah, blah."

The pay for freelancing varies so much. I can make $60 one day for a piece and then $250 the next, and unless you actually freelance, you'd never understand that. Ahh, this life we live.

I do tell people I make between $60 to $400 per piece though. Most of the time they don't know how to take that.

[Amber]

Melanie - ha! That's a fabulous comeback - I'm SO stealing that one!

Quibian - That's an interesting point. Now that I blog full time, people assume that I can't be making any money from it at all, but when I used to freelance for newspapers there was a different kind of assumption - that I must have been raking it in! If only they knew...

[Helen]

Hi, great post.

I don't blog but do get people asking me what I earn as a freelance writer. After earlier stumbling and trying to change the subject, I now say, to anyone who's nosey enough to ask, what I earn for ONE WORD. That shuts them up because they can't work out whether it's good or bad and they still haven't got a clue!

[Danielle]

I'd like to start blogging, but maybe in the summer, since my plate is pretty full at the moment. Keep posting those helpful links about places to blog! They're pretty helpful and I would like to blog one day :)

[diane shipley]

I don't mind in the slightest if writer friends (or close friends/family members) ask me what I got for an article, or for writing for a particular blog. I won't tell strangers though.

I once told someone at a wedding that I was a freelance writer. He squinted at me and said "Is that a real thing?"

LOL.

[Patrick]

Amber and all, I feel like I found myself after reading this posting. I have long wanted to write for someone, something, somebody, ah heck, you guys get my point.

I, unfortunately, have never pursued it to the degree of the desire I carry within. I almost feel like the Incredible Hulk, in that the rage to write the word (not a bible note) the word meaning what I feel - my opinion. I detest the feeling that I never had the time or chance to do so. These are the feelings that make me swell with tension to point I’m ready to bust out of my clothes and shoes.

The blogging venue has allowed me to explore the world of writing in the non traditional sense of the art. I’ve taken to writing sports blogs and wanting to write novice political opinions with the excitement that this campaign year has empowered!

Would I like to get paid for my selfish perceived writing talents? The answer to that question is a resounding YES!

Great for you, Amber, for not allowing yourself to get backed into a corner having to defend what you love to do – telling folks what is on your mind from a computer in either pajamas or your birthday suit from the comforts of your home.

I dream to do that one day. Do I dare believe? Oh yes. If I have died and the realization of the afterlife has taken me to where I’ve always dreamed – this moment where I can write to tell people about whatever I feel? Then I love the afterlife – let’s hope I can pay the bills doing it!

Patrick…