7 Tips To Help You Deal With Lack of Respect When Working from Home

Are you having trouble dealing with lack of respect from those around you about working from home?

Some work from home people know what I'm talking about. It's like the old Rodney Dangerfield comedy routine, "I don't get no respect".

If you own a home business, you probably know how it goes by now.

You're at a party and someone says, "What do you do for a living?"

You answer, "I run a business from home".

The look on their face often paints the picture to what they're feeling on the inside. It's what they won't say out loud: "In other words, you're unemployed".

They simply can't believe that you can really make a living working from the comfort of home, sitting at your computer.

How do you deal with a lack of respect? Here are seven tips.

1. You might want to find ways to better explain what you do

You don't have to go off into a long story, but explain in a way that most people can understand.

"I write web articles", or "I have a cooking blog" or "I sell candles on Etsy."

Those are all easier to understand than just the phrase, "I have an online business." They'll have more respect for you if you are clear on what you actually do.

2. Understand that most people tie their self-worth to a job

"Get a good job and you'll have a good life."

That's what most of us grew up being told.

People still believe this, despite hating their job. In other words, you're not going to change their mind.

Don't expect them to understand and you won't be disappointed. Easy.

3. Find other home workers to communicate with

Find other home workers and they will understand the struggles.

If you can, find a meet-up group in your hometown. It's nice to get out of the house occasionally and socialize.

But, if this isn't possible, you can still meet and talk online.

Places to Find Other Home Workers to Chat With

• MeetUp
• Facebook groups
• Reddit groups

4. Learn to set boundaries

Number four is about setting boundaries.

The work you do is just as important as anyone else's day job. Don't let people use you.

Free daycare, running errands for them, etc.

And they say "Well, you're home all day anyway."

Learn to say no and stick to your decision. No one else will respect your time if you don't.

5. Realize their reaction is often jealousy

Have you ever thought of this?

Maybe they are just jealous.

Many people would love to work from home; they just don't know how to accomplish that feat.

It can be tough and the realization that you did it and not them may make them feel jealous.

And their perception of it, sitting around in their pajamas all day watching television is a far cry from what you actually do.

But they don't know that.

Putting you down makes them feel better about getting up and going to their horrible job every day. Keep this in mind.

6. Do excellent work

Gain respect by accomplishment in your field.

Using testimonials and reviews on your website can help show that your clients are thrilled with your work or your product. It holds more value coming from someone else than when you say how great you are.

7. Don't base your self-respect on what other people think

Most importantly, it has to be stated again: do not base your self-respect on what others think.

You know that what you're doing is valuable. Don't look to other people to determine your worth. Be proud of what you do and others will observe your confidence.

Our Take

To be able to work for yourself is a dream for many people. Enjoy what you do and don't worry about the naysayers who will never understand.

The next time someone asks what you do, just smile and say, "I'm trying to take over the world."

Next Step

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