So, How Much do you Make? Home Biz Families.com

It happened again this week…twice. I was talking with a friend of mine about my home-based businesses.
It didn’t take long before she asked, “so, are you guys doing okay?”
What? Doing okay? Was someone ill? Did I sound sad? Clearly confused…I asked, “what do you mean, am I doing okay?”
She answered, “oh..I mean, financially.”

Later that week, I was excitedly telling another friend about my writing endeavors. Without hesitation she replied, “so…what do you actually make?”

I have been a work-at-home mom for five years now and it seems like every-time I talk about my various “gigs” someone is questioning my financial situation. The conversations always seem to develop into a “let’s see how much money Traci makes” quiz show.

I suppose the curiosity makes sense. While we can figure out the price tags for most professions, home-based business incomes are pretty mysterious…

Doctors = 100,000+
Mechanics = 20,000-30,000
Teachers = 20,000-40,000
Cashiers = Minimum Wage
Police Officers – 30,000-50,000

Home-Based Writers, Direct Sellers, Transcriptionists, Bloggers, Website Designers, Proof-Readers, etc…= who knows?.

Miss Manners would suggest that we never, ever ask people how much money they make. Why does basic etiquette go out the window when it comes to home-based professions? If you don’t commute to an office everyday are questions about your income suddenly fair game?

I have yet to figure out where the curiosity about home-based incomes stems from. Is it possible that some people truly believe that most “stay-at-home moms” simply sit around, watch soap operas and eat bon-bons all day? If so, perhaps my friends are simply wondering how they can apply for the seemingly lucrative “bon-bon eating” gig.

All kidding aside, I wonder if those of you who have home-businesses have experienced this phenomenon. If so, how do you respond to people who ask you what you make? Do you tell them or do you leave them guessing.

Personally, I like to mess with people a bit. I’ll always respond, but I love to be vague and keep them guessing. “Well, this month was tight…but last month, all I can say is….‘WOW’.”

Post your experiences (and your income) in the comments section. I am sure our readers would LOVE to know how much you make too!