Cornered Office
with Mir Kamin
I'm a freelance writer and mother of two working from home, which theoretically means I can set my own schedule so as to best accommodate my family. In reality, "flexible hours" often equals "working too much." Yes, I'm my own boss; no, that doesn't mean life is easy. It's hard to leave the office when you live there. But I love what I do and feel very lucky. And not just because I get paid to work in my pajamas.
To learn more about Mir, check out her profile on Work It, Mom! or visit her blog at http://www.wouldashoulda.com/
The cognitive disconnect between “Career Me” and “Real Me”
Categories: Like talking but with more typing, My boss is an idiot
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As I sit here writing this, I’m doing something incredibly strange: I’m listening to myself on the radio.
A few weeks ago I was approached by a local station to be featured on their “Thrifty Thursday” segment, as an expert on finding deals while holiday shopping. The producer and the hosts were all incredibly nice, and I had a fun time chatting with them. And the piece is airing right now. I sound… weird. Well, to clarify: My voice sounds weird. But I sound… smart, I think. Good. Like I know what I’m talking about.
How did that happen?
It’s not that I don’t consider myself a capable person, or that I have some sort of inferiority complex or poor self esteem. That’s not the issue. It’s just really strange to hear myself being an expert.
I’m a writer. I feel completely confident in my ability to write things that make sense. But I do not consider myself any sort of public speaker, even though my career necessarily crosses over into various speaking engagements. This means that every time I do any sort of speaking, I’m always completely amazed by it.
Why did these people invite me? I think. And then Oh geez, I hope I don’t screw it up! Later, I think Hey, I totally fooled everyone. Yeah. I really do.
Because my self-view is of someone who is essentially bright and capable, sure, but mostly? A ginormous dork. It never ceases to astound me that I manage to speak in public without tripping over my own two feet, choking on my own tongue, or throwing up on my shoes. There’s a reason I prefer the written word. There are reasons I prefer working from home. I’m awkward! I mean, the “Real Me” is awkward.
Except that sometimes, I’m not. Sometimes “Career Me” bleeds over onto “Real Me” and I’m actually sort of… together. Now and then. Which is great.
But very, very weird.
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I think everyone thinks their voice sounds weird when they hear it on audio.
sassymonkey | October 30th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I listened to you this morning and you TOTALLY sounded like you knew what you were talking about. Probably because you do.
Congratulations!
exile on mom street | October 30th, 2008 at 10:57 am
That degree of yours comes in handy on occasions like this, I bet.
I wish I’d heard the segment! I listen to the show that’s on at the time you posted this… I usually listen earlier, but still. Love them!
Lee | October 30th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
That reminds me of some of Joshilyn’s musings on her author appearances. Your true prettiness must shine through when the right people are interviewing you!
Brigitte | October 31st, 2008 at 5:07 am
I know exactly what you mean about being gawky. I’m the exact same way only…sometimes I seem graceful…I usually attribute that to the company.
mamajama | November 3rd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
haha i just had this conversation today about myself with someone. i said i am not all about the presentations in front of groups of people and she was SHOCKED because she thought i was one who loooved and had no problems doing presentatins. HAHAHAHAHA! i even said ‘ha! you mean i really did fool you?”
now add to that hearing or seeing yourself? eeek! weird is an understatement! i think i would be squirmy. and all perfectionistic. but you, you are so good!
congrats on the radio gig! maybe you will soon be BOTH a writer AND a public speaker
kate | November 3rd, 2008 at 11:30 pm
[...] few weeks ago, I did a small segment with a local radio station, and was pleased with the results. I felt the piece represented me well, and it brought me some [...]
Outed in my town, again with the money myth - Cornered Office - Work It, Mom! | November 13th, 2008 at 9:37 am
That was funny. You put that into words well and I can relate!
Lynn | June 2nd, 2011 at 10:45 am