I need to be honest, I’m not sure how long I’ll do this blog. Fact is, I bought a domain and feel the need to get my money’s worth. I understand this isn’t the best way to gain readership, but like I said in “The Why,” I’m almost certain this will not be the next must read thing. It may only be read when I proof read it when I’m finished.

Anyway, this is what I wanted to write about…

The other night some friends of Emily and mine invited us to a civic organization. This group does a ton of great things for the community, everything from helping children to throwing community events… It’s great!

During the meeting the President had everyone introduce themselves. (Which was great because I knew a total of four people out of the 20 or so) The introductions went something like this for each member of the group: My name is Sally O’Malley. I work at such and such company. I am on Names 5 committees. 

This is great stuff, everyone in the room had a bunch of stuff said after their name.

Then. It came to me. You see, at the moment I am…sort of unemployed. So after hearing where everyone is in their career I thought… What should I say? Blogger? (I wrote the Why by that point) Consultant? (I like giving advice) I just wasn’t sure.

So what did I get out? “Bill Betson, first time here.” I thought it was smooth. I even acted like I forgot to say my profession after the next person went by tossing up my arms a bit above the table and shaking my head in a “Ah Shucks” motion.

Maybe this is just how unemployed people think but I thought, “Why in the world do we place such an emphasis on our profession when speaking to others?” Have you ever thought about that? Why?

Yesterday I read an obituary from a man who suddenly died while shoveling snow. Guess how many times his family wanted people to know where he worked? One time. One sentence. That was it. The rest of the obituary focused on how awesome a father and husband he was. It focused on what he did for others.

Next time I go to a meeting and introductions are asked, I am going to say: “I’m Bill Betson. I am the husband to Emily and the father to Noah.”

I’ll even say that when I’m not kind of unemployed.