“Why are you working on a Sunday?” And other useless comments

Let’s get one thing straight before we even begin, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for how, when, or where you work. Your business, your rules. 

End of.

But isn’t it wild how quickly people feel entitled to comment on your choices as a business owner? As if we’re all supposed to clock in at 9 am, clock out at 5 pm, and spend our weekends rotating houseplants and pretending we’ve got our inbox to zero.

We don’t.

The truth is, most of us have designed our businesses around our lives — not the other way round. And while that might mean Sunday work sprints or replying to DMs at 9pm (because finally, the house is quiet and you’re not being asked for snacks every four seconds), that doesn’t mean we need to justify it.

Here are my favourite comments made to me over the years with a cheeky little comeback if you feel like entertaining people  (or educating them, if you’re feeling generous).

“Why are you working on a Sunday?”

Because Monday-Friday isn’t the sacred productivity temple you think it is, Nigel.

I work on a Sunday because it fits my life. Mr H works shifts, the house is quiet, the fridge isn’t calling my name, and I actually like getting a head start.

If you want to reply: “Ah, I know, Sundays are usually a chill day. But honestly, it gives me more time during the week to do what I want to do. Win-win!”

What to remember: You don’t have to fit into the Monday morning productivity club. If Sunday works for you, embrace it. You’re not in corporate anymore — you get to design the system.

“Must be nice to work in your pyjamas all day.”

Listen, Barry. These are not pyjamas. This is my CEO loungewear.

This comment is often laced with passive-aggressive envy. As if comfort somehow disqualifies your credibility.

If you want to reply: “Honestly, it’s one of the perks. But don’t worry — I still get more done before lunch than I did in a full 8-hour office day!”

What to remember: You’re running a business, not starring in a Netflix productivity documentary. Comfort and success can co-exist.

“Are you still doing that little business thing?”

Ah yes. The 'little business thing' that paid for Christmas, the summer hols, and maybe even kept your sanity intact this year.

This one stings, especially when it comes from friends or family. But it’s more a reflection of their understanding of entrepreneurship than your actual success.

If you want to reply: “Yep! That little thing now supports [insert proud win here like “‘keeps me creatively alive’].”

What to remember: You don’t need big revenue or a team of 10 to be legit. If it lights you up and makes money, it’s not a little thing.

“You’re always online — don’t you ever switch off?”

Bless their hearts for worrying. But also… welcome to the reality of modern business. Being available doesn’t mean being burnt out.

We batch. We schedule. We auto-reply. But yes, sometimes we’re scrolling LinkedIn at 10pm while watching Tempting Fortune, and that’s totally okay.

 If you want to reply: “I’ve got boundaries that work for me, promise! Just because I’m online doesn’t mean I’m hustling 24/7. Sometimes I like seeing what’s going on.”

What to remember: You know your limits. You’re allowed to be present without being consumed. It’s not either/or.

“Don’t you miss having a real job?”

A real job? Oh you mean the one where I needed permission to attend a doctor’s appointment or take a holiday?

Nope. Don’t miss that.

If you want to reply: “I’ve never felt more fulfilled or in control of my time, so no — I’m quite happy with the imaginary job, thanks.”

What to remember: Your job is real. Your income is real. The impact you make is real. Don’t let anyone’s boxed-in thinking shrink your reality.

Being a business owner means making choices that work for you — and sometimes those won’t make sense to other people. You’re not here to make it make sense to everyone else. You’re here to build something sustainable, joyful, and freeing for you.

So whether you’re answering emails in your leggings, working on a Sunday, or planning next quarter’s content from your local café, remember:

You don’t have to explain yourself.

You just have to keep going.

Because the people who get it? They’re probably building their version of freedom too.

Need a bit of music to remember it is your rules? House by London Grammar