Please don’t ask

A question that I really do not like to be asked is a bit situation dependent, but in many situations when getting to know new people, here is one question I hate to be asked:

“What do you do for work?”

Then you may ask me why I hate getting this question, because I have to admit that this is probably one of the most common things to ask a person you are getting to know. I hate it because it automatically places a lot of focus on what the person does for work, and in many cases your answer to it will most likely strongly affect the person that receives this answer. No matter if it is in a dating setting or just a friend setting. Honestly, the dating setting is probably even more affected by this question.

But why?

I hate getting asked this question because I do not want to steer the conversation into work, not so early, so I often ignore the question or just steer the conversation away very quickly. I want to share other things than my 9-5 type job, and it does not matter which job I have or do at any moment.

Whether I spend my days looking at a computer screen, selling products or driving a cab, does not matter to me, also I would not ask you the same question either. This has nothing to do with being proud or not of the work you do, it is about the free time, and the YOU part that I want to know more about. Everyone needs a job anyway, so most people have one, no matter if they like it or not.

There we go, sounds a bit negative, but again, it was a question about something you hate, so being negative about it is part of, I suppose.

Anyway, have a nice day, and thank you for being here!