You’re Not “Unemployed” — You’re a Self-Made Hustler (Here’s Why That Matters More Than You Think
- American Family Group
- May 31
- 3 min read
In coffee shops, online groups, or family dinners, you’ll often hear someone sheepishly say, “I don’t really have a job — I just do my own thing here and there. I guess I’m unemployed.”
Let’s hit pause on that mindset.
If you’re earning money — cutting hair out of your garage, fixing cars in your driveway, freelancing online, flipping vintage finds, or tutoring kids — you are not unemployed. You are working. You are part of the economy. You are a self-made hustler.
And in many ways, your contribution is more valuable than you realize.
Understanding What "Unemployed" Really Means
Let’s clear up a common confusion. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
You’re only considered “unemployed” if you’re actively seeking a job but haven’t yet landed one.
If you're not working and not trying to work — meaning you're not applying, not open to work, not even interested in employment — you're not technically unemployed. You're outside the labor force entirely.
Now here’s the kicker: If you're earning money on your own but don’t have an official employer or business license, you're not unemployed either. You're self-employed, whether you’ve filed the paperwork or not.
And that distinction matters — for how you view yourself and how the community sees you.
Are you employed?
Employed?
Unemployed?
Not in the labor force?
The Psychology of “Real Work”
There’s a dangerous myth that says unless you work for a company, clock in, and get a W-2, your work isn’t “real.”
But that’s a lie.
• The teenager reselling sneakers online is working.• The mom running a babysitting network in her neighborhood is working.• The guy doing mobile oil changes from a beat-up van? Working.
In fact, side hustles and gig work have become the backbone of many communities — especially in areas where traditional jobs are hard to come by. A 2023 Pew Research study found that over 38% of U.S. adults have earned income outside of a traditional job in the past year. That’s millions of Americans doing exactly what you’re doing.
Why Your Work Is More Than Just Income
When you hustle on your own, you’re not just making money — you’re building resilience, independence, and skills that many salaried workers never touch.
You learn to:
• Market yourself• Build relationships with clients• Manage your time• Handle finances• Deliver value with integrity
That’s the heart of entrepreneurship — even if it starts small.
So, What’s Next? Level Up
If you’ve been dismissing your hustle as “not a real job,” now’s the time to rethink. Here’s how to start treating it like the business it truly is:
Give it a name — This makes it real in your mind and builds credibility.
Keep basic records — Track your income and expenses. Even a simple spreadsheet works.
Market yourself intentionally — A few social media posts or word-of-mouth referrals can go a long way.
Seek support — Partner with local groups like American Family Group. We help local earners get listed, promoted, and plugged into loyal customer networks.
Believe in what you’re doing — That mindset shift changes everything.
Partner with AF - Becoming Partners with AFG can speed up your start up process by 100% percent in most cases.
What Real Unemployment Looks Like
Let’s also draw a clear line: Not everyone who isn’t working is unemployed. Some folks aren’t even trying to work — and that’s not a judgment, just a fact. True unemployment means you're actively looking for work and unable to find it. But many people have simply opted out of the labor force entirely. They’re not applying, not planning, not hustling.
That’s different from the person who’s selling homemade candles at the local farmers market, tutoring kids after school, or running a mobile car wash with zero marketing budget and a whole lot of heart.
From Side Hustle to Local Hero
At American Family Group, we’ve seen firsthand how these independent earners grow into pillars of their local economy. With just a little support — a directory listing, some social media shine, or a vendor spot at a local event — these small efforts blossom into full-on businesses. That’s why we offer packages like our Startup Consulting, Website Creation, and Social Media Growth Plans. Because community-driven success starts with belief and a boost.
Let’s Celebrate the Hustlers
If this sounds like you, stop calling yourself unemployed. Start saying, “I work for myself.” Because you do. And your community sees you. We believe in local, self-made success stories — and we’re here to amplify them.
Want to connect with other local go-getters or grow your hustle? Reach out to us. Let’s build something beautiful — together.
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