How to Survive Family Gatherings When Everyone Thinks You ‘Just Play on the Computer All Day’

How to Keep Your Sanity (and Dignity) Intact When Your Family Thinks You’re Just ‘Goofing Off’ Online—Because, Guess What? You’re Building an Empire!

Alright, my friend, let’s set the scene. It’s Sunday afternoon, and you’re at yet another family gathering, squeezed between the kid who won’t stop flicking his snot rockets and your cousin’s husband who insists on showing you 478 photos of his “transformation” at the new gym. And there you are, minding your own business, trying to sneak in a peek at your phone without anyone noticing. But suddenly, Auntie Sushma, with the curiosity of a CSI detective and the tact of a wrecking ball, zeroes in on you.

“Beta, what do you do on your computer all day? Playing games, ah?”

And there it is. The question that makes you want to crawl under the dining table with the leftover samosas. The question that haunts you every time you open your laptop to work on your digital empire that, to everyone else, looks like a giant waste of time.

Let’s get one thing straight: you’re not just playing on the computer. You’re building something tangible—your digital coaching business, your online courses, your empire of knowledge and value. But try explaining that to a room full of skeptics who think the only path to success involves a starchy uniform, a corner office, and a pension plan.

Well, buckle up, because today, I’m going to show you how to navigate these family minefields with your dignity—and your sanity—intact. By the end of this, you’ll not only survive your next family gathering, but you’ll also leave feeling like the rockstar you are, because trust me, your journey matters.

Step 1: Arm Yourself with the Perfect Comebacks

First things first, let’s prepare you for battle. Because make no mistake, family gatherings are like warzones where everyone’s armed with intrusive questions and unsolicited advice. And if you’re going to survive, you need the right weapons—comebacks that disarm the nosiest of relatives.

Imagine Uncle Rajesh, belly full from his third helping of biryani, waddling over and dropping the bomb: “Still on that computer thing? You know, a government job is more secure.”

Now, instead of rolling your eyes and sighing internally, hit him with this:
“Absolutely, Uncle! I’m actually running a business that teaches people how to live independently of their jobs. You should try it—it comes with a bonus: no bosses, no stress, and guess what? No need to wait for a government job ad!”

Trust me, the trick is to say it with a smile so sweet that it takes them a few seconds to realize you’ve just thrown shade harder than your aunt’s oversized sunhat. They’ll be left blinking like they’ve just been flashed by a paparazzi camera, giving you just enough time to gracefully exit and refill your plate.

Step 2: Use Buzzwords They Can’t Argue With

You know what confuses the heck out of people? Buzzwords. Nothing shuts down a family interrogation like throwing in terms that sound way too complicated for them to continue questioning. If your relatives don’t know what you’re talking about, they’ll assume it’s important and probably won’t push further.

So, the next time someone corners you, simply say, “I’m developing scalable monetization strategies through digital content leveraging a SaaS model.” Boom. Watch as their eyes glaze over, their brains frantically trying to piece together words they think they’ve heard in one of those TED Talks they fell asleep watching. It’s like giving a toddler a Rubik’s cube; they’ll get bored and move on.

Better yet, follow it up with something completely vague, like, “You know, it’s all about leveraging the network effect to maximize ROI.” Even if that’s just code for “I’m working on my laptop,” they’ll nod sagely, not wanting to look stupid, and will probably say something like, “Good for you, beta!” before shuffling off to pester someone else.

Step 3: The Spouse Conundrum: Winning Over Your Biggest Skeptic

Now let’s address the elephant in the room: your spouse. The one who keeps giving you that side-eye every time they see you hunched over your laptop at 2 AM, trying to figure out Facebook ads, muttering “funnel optimization” like a mantra. You’ve tried explaining it—showing them screenshots of your course sales, your growing email list, your positive feedback from students—but somehow, all they see is you “playing on the computer.”

You see, your spouse is not the enemy; they’re just a victim of societal conditioning, much like the rest of your family. They’ve been fed the same story that real work means getting up, dressing up, and showing up to a building with flickering fluorescent lights. But let’s face it, explaining digital entrepreneurship to them is like trying to teach algebra to a cat—it’s just not their language.

Instead of convincing them with logic (which clearly hasn’t worked), try appealing to their love for comfort. Next time you have a small win, celebrate it visibly. Did you make your first sale? Great! Use a part of it to surprise them with a nice dinner or a little gift. Start small. Show them the tangible benefits of your hard work without diving into the nitty-gritty of CPMs and lead magnets.

And when they finally say, “Oh, so it’s like a real job, huh?” just smile and say, “Better. It’s our future.”

Step 4: Embrace the Art of Strategic Absence

If all else fails, the best strategy is avoidance. Seriously, sometimes the best way to deal with a problem is to just not be there. Got a big family gathering coming up? Oh no, looks like you’ve got a “work emergency” that needs immediate attention. How convenient!

Look, I’m not saying you should skip every family event—just the ones where you know Auntie Sushma is going to be on the prowl, ready to pounce with her questions about your career choices. After all, every seasoned digital entrepreneur knows that mental health is crucial to success, and sometimes protecting your peace means protecting yourself from nosy relatives.

Besides, who can argue with “work commitments,” especially when your job title is as flexible as yours? Just make sure to post a few “busy at work” photos on your socials—preferably of you at a coffee shop with your laptop, looking focused and slightly stressed. It’s all about maintaining that hustle illusion, right?

Step 5: Find Your Real Tribe: Where the Magic Happens

Let’s face it, no matter how many times you explain yourself, some family members just won’t get it. And that’s okay. They’re not meant to. What’s important is that you find your real tribe—people who not only understand but also support your journey. The truth is, the entrepreneurial path is a lonely one, especially when the people closest to you are the biggest skeptics. But here’s the kicker: you’re not alone.

At the Internet Lifestyle Hub’s Diamond Membership, we get it. We’re a community of misfits, rebels, and dreamers just like you. People who’ve faced the same skepticism from family, who’ve heard the same “Why don’t you get a real job?” line one too many times. But instead of letting it drag us down, we use it as fuel to build something incredible. Because here’s the thing: we’re not just playing on our computers. We’re changing lives—starting with our own.

This isn’t just another online group where people post motivational quotes and go back to doing nothing. Nope. At Internet Lifestyle Hub, we walk the talk. We have real strategies, real support, and real people who are building real businesses. It’s like finding the family you never knew you needed—the kind that understands that a “side hustle” isn’t just a phase, and that “playing on the computer” is code for “building an empire.”

Step 6: The Ultimate Comeback: Results They Can’t Argue With

Here’s the ultimate truth bomb: nothing silences the doubters like success. When you start hitting those milestones—whether it’s your first 3L month, your first big client, or even just your first sale—you’ll notice the skeptical voices start to fade. Remember Rajesh who wouldn’t stop with the government job spiel? Watch his eyes pop out when you casually mention you made more last month than his pension payout. Auntie Sushma might even be caught bragging to her kitty party friends about her “entrepreneurial” nephew or niece.

It’s not about proving them wrong—it’s about proving to yourself that you were right all along. Because your journey isn’t just about building a business; it’s about creating a life that you don’t need a vacation from. It’s about saying yes to your dreams even when the people around you are screaming no.

And when you’ve finally made it—when your spouse is no longer giving you side-eye but is instead asking for tips on how they can join in—remember that all those family gatherings, all those awkward questions, all those times you felt misunderstood were just stepping stones to get you where you needed to be. They were never the roadblocks; they were just the signs telling you that you were on the road less traveled.

So, my friend, next time you’re at a family gathering and someone asks you if you’re still “playing on the computer,” just smile. Because you’re not just playing—you’re playing to win.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Matters

Look, the entrepreneurial journey isn’t for everyone. It’s tough, it’s messy, and it often feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill while everyone else is just coasting along. But here’s what you need to know: Your journey matters. Your dreams matter. And just because the people around you don’t see the vision doesn’t mean it’s not real.

You’re not alone in this. You’re part of a community of brave souls who are daring to carve their own path. And if you ever feel like you need a reminder of why you started—or if you just need a place where people get it—remember, Internet Lifestyle Hub’s Diamond Membership is where your real family awaits. The kind that doesn’t just ask what you do, but how they can help you do it better. So go ahead, click that link, and come join us. Because at the end of the day, we all deserve a place where we belong.

And remember: It’s not just about surviving family gatherings; it’s about thriving in the life you’re building for yourself, one click at a time.

Keep Hustling and Keep Surprising Them,
Siddharth Rajsekar,
Your Digital Rebel and Chief Freedom Architect

P.S. Tired of explaining your ‘online thing’ to the relatives? Come join us at the Internet Lifestyle Hub’s Diamond Membership. We’re the family that gets it—and trust me, we won’t ask if you’re still just “playing on the computer.” 😉

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