It’s one of the first questions we ask when we meet someone: “so, what do you do?” Because I don’t really have a “normal” job, it takes some reflection to even share what it is that I “do”. So after many times of being asked this question and stumbling over my words to explain my situation, I’ve come up with some ways to articulate it. The conversation usually goes a little something like this:
“So Laura, what do you do?”
“I’m an artist— a singer and a songwriter—and that’s how I spend most of my time. But I’m also a life coach and have my own coaching practice on the side.”
“Ohhh! What kind of music do you play? What instruments do you play?”
“Well, my music is a blend of electronica, alternative rock, and pop music. I sing and I play lots of different instruments like guitar and piano. I compose with those instruments plus I use software to make other sounds and beats.”
(At this point people are usually more interested in the music and keep asking questions (music types), or they become totally confused and switch to asking about my coaching work (non-music types). And that conversation goes a little something like this:)
“So, what the heck is a life coach?”
“Well, it means I help people reach their goals and bring more meaning, balance, and fulfillment into their lives.”
(This is usually met by an interested look and silence, or a blank look and silence, so then I continue…)
“So basically I help people get in touch with what they most want and help them get it. I work with people going through personal transitions, people going through professional transitions, small business owners, and artists. Coaching is really effective for all kinds of situations. It’s very interesting work.”
Then people often start telling me about why they need a life coach. And I don’t mind because its interesting for me. I’ve always been one of those people who others come to and confide in. And, frankly, I’m much more comfortable listening to people than I am talking about myself. (This can get tricky for people who want to get close to me.)
So, that’s a little intro to what I “do”. I love my work and find that both my music and my coaching enrich each other. I learn from my clients and they inspire me all the time, and this is helpful for writing. And the sensitivity and compassion and awareness required to be a good artist are important for being a good coach, too. I also spend a lot of time doing community building activities though the Baha’i Faith. It gives my life lots of meaning and purpose. I’m really thankful for it and it teaches me SO much about life—it totally affects my songwriting. But it does get tricky trying to balance both careers and service to the community and there are times I feel torn, confused, and just totally spent. But there are also times I feel fulfilled and nourished by it all. And there are many times I feel all these things at once.
So…….what do YOU do?
