How We’re Different from Our Parents

Most of the clients that hire Mad Hatter to build a WordPress website are around the same age as me. (I said around, not exact.) I’m not afraid…I’ll tell you that I’m almost 29. Most of the people who need design work are part of the generation that is now our nation’s workforce. Our generation has a very specific set of expectations for work. We want to be paid what we’re worth, and we want to do something we love.

When our parents were our age, there was no Internet. It’s hard to remember that sometimes. Starting up a website and making money online was not an option for our parents. They worked hard, and often one parent stayed home to take care of the kids. They often did jobs they hated just provide for their families. Some of them are still in jobs they hate because of poor planning, lack of education, or lack of concern for retirement.

These days, parents aren’t only staying home to care for kids, but they are building empires from their basement offices. They are creating a life for their kids that includes them – being there, being there, being there. Sometimes both parents are able to work from home. These parents are a new breed. We are saving money, planning for retirement, and being with our kids – all while doing something we truly love to do.

I think our parents look at us sometimes and think we’re crazy. Maybe we are a little nuts. After all, we rely on the power and connection of the Internet to supply our bacon! The Interwebs are the future of our workforce. It’s how we make connections and how we conduct business. Even as I write this, my computer is filled with tools to help me provide services to my clients hundreds of miles away. One of my dearest friends and business partners is in another country – and we’ve never met face-to-face! (Ok, it’s Canada, but still! Could our parents have done business in Toronto from the comfort of their sofa!?)

When the “Dot Com” boom came along, a lot of people began to think making money on the Internet meant you had to be a scammer, a blogger, or a software mogul. Not so anymore. Our generation is changing the face of business on the Web. We are creating real, tangible products and extremely valuable services that we can sell via the Web. Interneters are selling to Interneters. It’s an amazing circle of business that goes around and around.

So, I said all that to say this: if you have dreams of being with your kids and still contributing in a meaningful way to the family income, the Internet can make it possible. A website is the key to starting a successful online business. You can do more than sell scented candles – you can build an empire from your lawn chair.

Posted on: 02.17.2010