5 ways to explain your job to your in-laws

Ditch the funnel, the ROI, and the SaaS. Put your actual work in accessible terms, and let them know that your company’s thriving. Then pass the cream and sugar.

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We’re supposed to admit when we fail, right? And we’re supposed to learn something when we fail, right?

This past weekend, when my father-in-law (FIL) asked about what I do for a living, I opened my mouth, started talking, and realized I might need some time to think. I felt as though I needed a few props, perhaps a script, and more coffee before I got too far into my description.

In the end, I failed at explaining my job. I’m hoping my failure will help you prepare for a similar conversation.

I hope you never feel the job description failure pain I felt.

Oh, so painful.

The job description conversation went something like this:

Why should you care about this story?

I think you can learn from my failure.

The setting for the conversation could not have been better. The In-laws were in town to celebrate their 50th anniversary. So far, I have not done anything, including breathing, for 50 years, so I have a lot of respect for this accomplishment. We rented an amazing house in the town of Guerneville, and as a family enjoyed a weekend of good food, sun, swimming, wine tasting, and awkward failures to explain our jobs.

Of all the things I could write about, why am I focusing on this failure?

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