Maverick Traveler in a recent post got me thinking about how often when you meet someone new the first question they ask is "so what do you do?" as if job title is the most important thing. For those of us who have multiple hustles, odd jobs that you have explain, or just don't like talking about work all the time, it can be a frustrating social experience.
I knew a guy who used to just answer the question "I give prostate massages. Rich older men mostly." He was a lawyer, but when women asked the question, he felt like it was just too much of a "dance monkey, dance" style question.
I used to ask the question "so what's your passion?" when I'd meet someone new, because I'm not really interesting in hearing a job title, but sharing excitement. I was amazed when I repeatedly got the deer-in-the-headlights look, and discovered most people don't really know what they're passionate about.
I'm curious how the guys here answer the question "what do you do for a living?" Do you give a straight answer or fuck with it a little bit? I'm also especially curious how those with odd jobs (blogger, dating coach, etc.) answer.
I'm looking for a better response as continually explaining my work gets tiresome and I just hate talking about work when I'm not working. When I'm not working I want to play and have fun, not qualify myself to strangers.
Also, is this a distinctly American thing to ask within five minutes of meeting someone?
I knew a guy who used to just answer the question "I give prostate massages. Rich older men mostly." He was a lawyer, but when women asked the question, he felt like it was just too much of a "dance monkey, dance" style question.
I used to ask the question "so what's your passion?" when I'd meet someone new, because I'm not really interesting in hearing a job title, but sharing excitement. I was amazed when I repeatedly got the deer-in-the-headlights look, and discovered most people don't really know what they're passionate about.
I'm curious how the guys here answer the question "what do you do for a living?" Do you give a straight answer or fuck with it a little bit? I'm also especially curious how those with odd jobs (blogger, dating coach, etc.) answer.
I'm looking for a better response as continually explaining my work gets tiresome and I just hate talking about work when I'm not working. When I'm not working I want to play and have fun, not qualify myself to strangers.
Also, is this a distinctly American thing to ask within five minutes of meeting someone?
Read my work on Return of Kings here.