Responding to "You Just Don't Want To/Can't Get a REAL Job" ~ Work for Yourself

So, who made the rules? What makes a job a "real" job? Can't we all agree that a "real" job pays you "real" money? So why do you get into these spats with outsiders looking in?

First of all, you have previously shown that you accept their thinking. If you have considered finding "a real job" while you were freelancing, you have admitted that you don't truly believe in what you're doing.
Second, you don't take your work seriously enough. This goes back to the old cliche that says "How do you expect someone else to love you if you don't love yourself?" Like with the first point, the change starts with YOU. If you're a career freelancer, it's just that - your career. Treat it as such, and you'll be surprised with the respect you receive from others.
Third (and this is a big one), they are JEALOUS. Simply put, who doesn't want to set their own work hours and pick and choose the projects they work on? Who doesn't want to be able to pick their own work environment each day (at home, coffee shop, co-working space, etc.)? Wouldn't you say your lifestyle is one that is easily enviable?

Now that you now what drives that behavior, how do you respond (that is what this post is about after all)?

If you've previously shown that you don't truly believe in freelancing, it can be a bit more difficult to get people to understand that you now have faith in yourself. However, it can be done. You can respond to these doubters by letting them know that your business is more stable now and you've found work that you're truly passionate about. Let them know that you have no further desire to work what they call "a real job" because you are successful enough on your own.

If you haven't taken your work serious in the past, shame on you! Now that we got that out of the way, it's important that you remain serious about your work going forward. After all, this is your career we're talking about here. Once your loved ones see how serious you are about your business, they will take it serious too.

As far as jealousy - nothing can fight that. They have to get over that hump themselves. For your own sanity, it's best to ignore these people.

What other "personality types" have you had to respond to? What did you say?