That said I don't ask people what they do until they ask me first. I'm more interested in where you live and your upbringing. That stuff fascinates me.
If we're at a networking event sure I'll ask, but otherwise eh.
Joe Corn Mo Member since Aug 29th 2010 15139 posts
Fri Feb-13-15 10:52 AM
40. "am I the only one that finds these thing infinitely more interesting?" In response to Reply # 31
>what brings you here or how do you know so-and-so?
it seems like this question is more likely to avoid ppl's canned response.
plus it's what's happening now.
if I learn you are from compton, that tells me nothing. if I learned that you met the party host from a friend of a friend at a phish concert... now we might have an interesting conversation.
"When I was unemployed, this question was irritating, lol."
>I don't mind someone asking me, but I've seen it get awkward >with some others.
That's part of the reason why I rarely give a straightforward answer to this question. I've have stuntastic job titles, and I've had no job title and no job.
11. "first couple of minutes? probably more blue than green" In response to Reply # 0
if it's just innocent small talk i'd assume whatever prompted us to speak should be the topic on hand ie: at a sporting event/art show/house party etc i recently had a cashier at autozone ask me this while ringing me up (middle aged black man) it wasn't small talk , he was forming a profile (or trying to at least)
... I've had this conversation numerous times -- here, even -- and I still scratch my head at the thinking that someone must have some sort of agenda in asking something as simple as 'how do you spend 60% of your day/life?'
16. "As a person always trying to hustle some business or connections, I ask" In response to Reply # 0
to figure out if there some way we can connect or build.
I also find it makes sense as a question in NYC specifically because muggs be having some very interesting jobs. So many artists, people in media, etc.
Sometimes I don't ask if you present like the question might be a sore subject for you.
I also might ask because I'm bored and can't think of anything to ask you (I guess that presents as being boring).
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
"One of the most important things in life is what Judge Learned Hand described as 'that ever-gnawing inner doubt as to whether you're r
39. "I can see how that happens at work, and work related things" In response to Reply # 37
My first couple of jobs after the army were in the same field as my MOS, so it was pertinent. When I transitioned into my current career, it was as a VA liaison. Since then I've moved up and I'm less specialized so there's less of a reason for people to know.
Joe Corn Mo Member since Aug 29th 2010 15139 posts
Fri Feb-13-15 11:23 AM
43. "I get it, and I appreciate it, and it's not that big of a deal. " In response to Reply # 42 Fri Feb-13-15 11:24 AM by Joe Corn Mo
ppl ask this stuff just to ask it and we all have our canned responses for small talk that we use until we actually get to know someone.
But I find odd that some ppl think these canned questions and answers tells you anything about ppl aside from how good they are at making a good first impression.
>out of being in the army. > >and people making small talk isn't prying.. it's just small >talk. It's what people do when they talk to other people. > >I know you say you don't like people but sometimes you make it >sound like anyone who talks to you is unworthy of your >answers. >
Joe Corn Mo Member since Aug 29th 2010 15139 posts
Fri Feb-13-15 03:00 PM
67. "I just steer the conversation back to them. " In response to Reply # 65
most ppl like talking about themselves.
>like, I could see you handing out a card with a list of >appropriate questions for guest to ask you. > >That would be a funny skit now that I think about it. > >"your questions are whack, let me help you out.. use these"
33. "Innocent, but I'll tell them anyways, they will still have no ideal." In response to Reply # 0 Fri Feb-13-15 10:27 AM by Innocent Criminal
Platform Engineer is my official title, which means little to most people. If they look confused enough and want clarification I just tell them System Engineer of some sort.
________________________________ There are dozens of us! Dozens!
47. "I think it's all about our own projections" In response to Reply # 0
I've had debates with people about this question.
to me, its a very open-ended question. I think it's our own projections that assume the person is trying to judge us by our job/career.
for some people, what they do for work is what they are passionate about, but a lot of people work to pay the bills and have other activities or passions that they enjoy doing.
I think we should feel free to answer this question however we best see fit and not have to assume what the question implies.
48. "Depends on enviroment" In response to Reply # 0 Fri Feb-13-15 12:33 PM by melmag
cus in some communities where job titles Dr/Atty/Engr/Prof. have replaced Mr/Mrs, best believe the answer is blue. this is especially common among Nigerians & Indians
52. "RE: A tried and true poast: If someone asks "So, what do you do?"" In response to Reply # 0
Everyone seems to be voting green, but the actual responses seem to lean more towards people being all weary and apprehensive to answer what it is they do. That's probably the most innocent question you can ask, that can tell you about someone without really having to pry. You shouldn't get a one word response from that right?
If you asked me where I'm from, where does that really go? If I ask you what you do? Are you passionate about it? Is it something you do because you like to? Or do you do it because it pays the bills? What would you really be doing if you could do whatever it is you wanted?
I don't care how much money you make. I'm not trying to compare status or wealth, that's honestly probably what I'm least interested in. What do you do? Why do you do it? What would you rather be doing?
You're not really supposed to get one word responses from those kind of questions, and if you do then either they're a really really shy person, they're totally not interested, or they're not that interesting.
56. "for the overwhelming majority of people in America" In response to Reply # 54
what they do for a living says nothing about them. You may be able to ascertain their education level. Maybe their tax bracket but that's not even a given. Most people are not fortunate enough to have followed their passions. What s person does for a living tells you what they were fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to do to pay their bills.
57. "I answer but i don't ask back or give them a chance to tell me theirs......" In response to Reply # 0
It's such a standard DC question, i didn't realize it wasn't always cool until i moved to Chi ====================================== http://www.zuitomedia.com/
58. "I just answer the question today" In response to Reply # 0 Fri Feb-13-15 02:46 PM by BabyYoda
I have no idea what they are trying to get from asking such a question, however, I suppose that the person asking the question wants to know I am gainfully employed. Btw, I may have just been charged to the game today because I was asked this question out of the gate and I answered. Oh, I do have a good job and probably make more money than said person, but it's all good. #movingalongstrong
63. "it means they are probably going to annoy you" In response to Reply # 0
for the rest of the minutes you talk to them
it usually precedes even more annoying questions
usually im trying to find the fastest escape route once they ask this qn
theres nothing i hate more than meaningless small talk id rather we dont bother
. http://perspectivesudans.blogspot.com/ i myself would never want to be god,or even like god.Because god got all these human beings on this planet and i most certainly would not want to be responsible for them, or even have the disgrace that i made them.
72. "I had a woman grill me the other day with "meaningful" questions" In response to Reply # 0
she threw in the what do you do in the middle. She acted all interested and shit and then it turned out she was trying to sell me something. I'm like, lady, I'm just trying to have a drink here. She's all no I'm interested in you I think we could be friends.
~ ~ ~ All meetings end in separation All acquisition ends in dispersion All life ends in death - The Buddha
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