Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Why is it that in the first minute of a conversation, 8 out of 10 people ask what kind of work you do, whether it's someone at the pool, someone in the trades, doctor or doctor's assistant, someone at a place of worship, etc.? After asking where you live or where your from and what kind of work you do, it seems like they are sizing you up. When I answer that I do a lot of research and computer work for my Dad, they then ask what kind of work he does?
Why does a doctor or handyman care what kind of work you do, especially if the rates for services are pre-determined before they know anything about you? Why not just perform the services, be professional, cordial, let me pay you, and that's it. Why do doctors want to know about your personal non-medical life and people in the trades about your social and professional life?
I'm surprised since professional sports are so popular in the United States, that people don't start asking you what you think of a certain team. It's less personal and is a better ice breaker, and if you don't follow the team at least you can ask the other person to tell you a little about the best or most popular players on the team.
I hate talking about my job outside of work, so avoid talking to strangers for the most part - unless I'm trying to hook up with a woman, of course. I think most strangers who ask me what type of work I do are a$$%^%$, and I will deflect the question & typically stop talking to them, or change the subject. It's none of their god$%$# business.
However, I've had the best conversations with people when I'm on vacation - they can usually tell I'm from out of town, so the topic of my job usually doesn't come up - which is great
Doctors want to know your line of work to become aware of any occupational health hazards. The illness you're visiting them for may possibly be due to something you were exposed to on-the-job.
As far as other people, most people are just nosy. Since people in our society are heavily defined by their profession/station in life, it becomes a way for people to judge and "size each other up" as you put it.
I don't see the big deal with asking this question - it seems fair considering you most likely spend 1/3 of your day doing something in particular to make money. The answer to the question reveals not only an income range and stability information but more importantly how much alignment you have in your life to your Will. For example: Are you a waitress because of a lack of confidence or education or good references or because you love people and the place that you work at?
I usually wait until I am asked about what I do before I ask others (just my habit). Talking with people is always about networking... not necessarily for business purposes but for a huge myriad of relationship purposes in general. I like people and enjoy getting to know them, thus this question is pretty natural to ask or be be asked.
I think a lot of people are just like conversationalists and are asking to fill the silence. They try to find common ground or make idle chat. I don't think it's nosy so much as lazy. Occasionally it can lead to an interesting conversation. But when you meet people, you don't start out with very meaningful discussion anyway. I don't think you should automatically take offense.
Relax OP. It’s really a very little deal. When people ask what I do (and when I ask what they do), it’s usually for a couple reasons. One is to make conversation and the second is simply because I’m interested/curious.
It’s a good way to get to know someone. Maybe they’re in the same line of work. Maybe they see someone in a Mercedes and wonder how they’re making their money. I get some enjoyment from what I do and enjoy talking about it. I also enjoy finding out what others do and enjoy asking them questions about it because I like to learn.
People spend an enormous amount of time at work, it’s a huge part of our lives. So naturally it’s something we talk about when connecting to someone.
Then there are some people who are pleased as punch with themselves and just want to know what you do so they can talk about what they do.
Why is it that in the first minute of a conversation, 8 out of 10 people ask what kind of work you do, whether it's someone at the pool, someone in the trades, doctor or doctor's assistant, someone at a place of worship, etc.?
8 out of 10? Really?
I don't know, check your t-shirts. They might have "Ask Me What I Do" printed on the back.
Someone asked me this morning to talk about what I do for a living. I suppose I could have been affronted by that but since it was my new CPA, I kinda figgered he had a reason for asking.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
