What would you say if a stranger asked what you do for a living, but your job is something you’re not proud of or not happy about?

[Flower7]

[Rab1901]

I actually know the feeling very well. I wouldn't advocate completely blatant lying, but there are ways to word what you do in a better way. You also don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.

Say something like: Oh I don't wanna say. Are you trying to stalk me? (in a playful way of course) or

Let's talk about something else. I just honestly am tired of work convos (it doesn't have to sound super negative. Smile) or

It's top secret. I might tell you in time but not now

It can really suck not being proud of what you do, but it is good to have someone to confide in. You don't have to tell people right away though especially if you're not close with them. In fact, I'd advise against being completely open about it unless you can sense he/she is truly a kind person. Plenty of people will use your weaknesses against you, but there are good people out there who will listen and have compassion.

[Flower7]

Thanks for the advice!

[Rab1901]

You're very welcome! :)

[RealMarek]

I would be honest. If someone reveals himself as disapproving of me because of what I do for work, I’m better off knowing that up front instead of wasting time interacting with that person further.

[Flower7]

These are always strangers who I’m never going to see again anyway.

[RealMarek]

You may choose to reply with “It’s none of your business.” Or give a general industry like “retail” instead of a specific job like “Amazon box packer.”

[Flower7]

“Retail” is always pretty safe because it’s a very vague answer.

[Cynicaldreamer]

I used to be in that situation actually: I had a job I hated (financial counselor) and people... well the customers, didn't much care for me either!

Before anyone asks why take a job I don't like? I needed money to pay my bills and it was my first job out of college. You take what you can get until something better comes along.

Anyway, I just told them my job and hoped they didn't ask details of what my job was- if they did, I tried to make it sound as... pleasant as possible (tell them the good attributes instead of the negative). Just remember, at least you HAVE a job! Some people aren't able to find work.

[Sour-rose]

"Walmart. :) Just started ye-.. three days ago."

Better than telling them I work for some god awful delivery company that wouldn't care if you were having heavy cramps due to your period, you deliver those gawddayum packages and hurry tf up.

[LilyoftheLake]

I would share only the BEST of the details.

"I handle financial transactions for a multi-billion dollar company!" (aka a cashier at McDonalds).

[Flower7]

I love it!

[NikolasGLT]

I would face reality and say the truth and try to work towards a better place where I can be proud of talking about.

[Flower7]

This is a very true statement.

[clampfan101]

I’d just be honest. Everyone starts somewhere, and lots of people have to start over due to no fault of their own. And most of all I have an honest job, and not something like porn. I currently stock grocery shelves. It’s boring and doesn’t make me much, but I’m working my way up.

[exitseven]

Yes, I had to start over when I was 36.

[Bricealan]

I tell them I am employed by the State of California, can't disclose what I do.

DMV LOLO

[Bricealan]

I was ALWAYS proud of being a DMV employee, but for the scofflaws, that do not respect those that uphold rules and laws, we are not popular.

[Flower7]

Hey, it could be worse. You could work for parking enforcement. Now those people are REALLY hated.

[Bricealan]

I try to push back on that. Back in May, I got a speeding ticket, going to my annual physical (if you are late, you have to reschedule, and it is a pain in the butt) I was really humiliated by being stopped as I have NEVER received a speeding ticket here in California. I was 70 in a 50, and I told the officer where I was going and I was respectful to him and e to me likewise. He wrote the citation for 70 in a SIXTY-FIVE zone rather than 70 in a 50 zone!!! Can you imagine what the court would have fined me for that?

The court fined me $231.00 when it COULD have been 1200.00 or more!

I wrote a letter to the Huntington Beach Police Department - Office of the Captain of the Uniform Division, thanking the officer for letting me off the hook from a really HUGE fine.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

I would just tell them you have to keep your job personal cause that's the way the boss wants it and you have to do things by their rules.

[Flower7]

Great idea! And with my job, that’s actually true!

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

@Flower7 You are welcome @Flower7

[Bee-Hatch]

If you don't want to be honest, make up something dull nobody will ask further questions about. Stacking shelves in the local supermarket or something like that.

[Midnight_Kiss]

Before I got my career on track I used to answer that question honestly but then followed it up with what my career goals were and what I wanted to do.

[Texaskid1]

I don't tell people I don't know what I do for a living or where I work especially women since they tend to be more vindictive and also I have experiences where they will drive to my place of employment and start bothering me at work.

[Hard9]

Be honest
You should be proud to have a job and work hard.

[Flower7]

True. It just sucks because people are always judgmental. It’s rare to find someone who thinks that way.

[Pinay_ako]

I’ll just say stripper 😂 and walk away. Nobody needs to know about my business let alone a stranger.

[exitseven]

I was unemployed for a couple of years while I was in graduate school. When people used to ask me what I did for a living I used to say I was on sabbatical while attaining an advanced degree.

[Therisinghero12]

Tell them and voice my complains, can be good to get it off your chest

[Flower7]

I’m sure that would make them regret asking too! Killing two birds with one stone.

[In_Trance]

You have to be proud of your job. It's a big part of who you are.

[Flower7]

Some people work in fast food or convenient stores. Not everyone has an actual career.

[In_Trance]

That's fair and accurate. But they doesn't mean they can't be proud of what they're doing. Maybe it works while they're in school. Maybe it's a second job.
They're not sponging off the system and that in itself is something to be proud of

[Aperson32]

Just be honest because it's better than not having a job

[Lexi_87]

I'd say I was "in-between jobs at the moment" or "I'm looking for something new"

[tanvishah123]

I'll be honest about my work. It helps me pay my bills i put my time in it so why would i be ashamed of my job.

[Jen_27]

If a stranger asked me I will say none of your business man

[_Aragorn]

you don't need to tell anyone about your personal life. but if you feel comfortable, use a general term for the job

[Stella188]

I not aloud to say. Let’s just say I work for a family.

[Flower7]

Nice!

[Pete671]

I'm a cleaner, but I say I'm a "facilities management services general operative" lol