Why don't people want to say what they do for a living?
Discussion
Thankyou4calling said:
Love a good pencil. There used to be a museum in Keswick, it may still be there.
Couldn't be bothered to go though,
Probably had a descent gift shop though, lots of pencils I'd imagine.
There is indeed... ended up going there with some friends back in 2013 after a sort of weird game of "are we really going to do this" chicken and actually it was pretty fun! Can't say I'd make a trip specially unless you are really into pencils but if you're in the area then it's a good laugh for an hour or two.Couldn't be bothered to go though,
Probably had a descent gift shop though, lots of pencils I'd imagine.
I don't talk about what I do for a living unless asked and then probed further when "I'm an Mechanical Engineer" isn't enough. Usually thats enough for people to end the line of questioning there!
But often that'll be followed up with "so you're a mechanic? can you fix my car?" then I have to explain that no I am not a mechanic, but I do work with big diesel engines to which I get back "so you are a mechanic then...". Its better to just avoid it so I don't have to explain how making a diesel engine run on natural gas without any engine topography changes is done.
Sometimes I just tell people I am research engineer working on dual fuel engines. Thats normally enough to stop the questioning because most people won't have a clue what a dual fuel engine is and won't care enough to really know or have it explained to them. Other engineers want to know of course, but everyone else thinks "magic" happens under the bonnet of their cars and they move forwards when they press a pedal so their total ignorance to ICE's stops any further questions.
But often that'll be followed up with "so you're a mechanic? can you fix my car?" then I have to explain that no I am not a mechanic, but I do work with big diesel engines to which I get back "so you are a mechanic then...". Its better to just avoid it so I don't have to explain how making a diesel engine run on natural gas without any engine topography changes is done.
Sometimes I just tell people I am research engineer working on dual fuel engines. Thats normally enough to stop the questioning because most people won't have a clue what a dual fuel engine is and won't care enough to really know or have it explained to them. Other engineers want to know of course, but everyone else thinks "magic" happens under the bonnet of their cars and they move forwards when they press a pedal so their total ignorance to ICE's stops any further questions.
Nothing to tell, I'm retired.
But to enlighten the masses I had 50 years and 5 months in the telecommunications industry on the technical side and must say the change in technology was enormous, still learning and guiding the young blokes right up to 20/6/2014 when I handed my laptop and swipe card back and walked out the door.
But to enlighten the masses I had 50 years and 5 months in the telecommunications industry on the technical side and must say the change in technology was enormous, still learning and guiding the young blokes right up to 20/6/2014 when I handed my laptop and swipe card back and walked out the door.
KaraK said:
There is indeed... ended up going there with some friends back in 2013 after a sort of weird game of "are we really going to do this" chicken and actually it was pretty fun! Can't say I'd make a trip specially unless you are really into pencils but if you're in the area then it's a good laugh for an hour or two.
Fun? I've just looked at the pictures of it. Exactly how I imagined. I don't even...In a previous life I spent 20 years in factory automation so the videos linked above hold some interest( not that I'd talk about it at a dinner party) but Jesus H a building with different colour pencils and an old van. I'd rather stick a 2b in my eye.
Maybe they just don't like the answer they have to give?
I am getting on for 30 but still work in a bike shop as a spanner monkey for a little more than minimum wage, so I sometimes feel a little sheepish when asked what I do as it's not a particularly impressive career path, but I still try to not be cagey about it when asked.
I am getting on for 30 but still work in a bike shop as a spanner monkey for a little more than minimum wage, so I sometimes feel a little sheepish when asked what I do as it's not a particularly impressive career path, but I still try to not be cagey about it when asked.
Years ago, a workmate of mine was out having a drink. He always liked to look fairly smart when he was out and this woman draped herself all over him and started gushing: "Oooo, I like you! I bet you've got your own business and everything..."
Truthfully, he gushed back: "Erm... No. Actually, I work in a chicken factory love". (Well, it was a food processing plant).
She soon disappeared anyway.
Truthfully, he gushed back: "Erm... No. Actually, I work in a chicken factory love". (Well, it was a food processing plant).
She soon disappeared anyway.
doogz said:
deadtom said:
Maybe they just don't like the answer they have to give?
I am getting on for 30 but still work in a bike shop as a spanner monkey for a little more than minimum wage, so I sometimes feel a little sheepish when asked what I do as it's not a particularly impressive career path, but I still try to not be cagey about it when asked.
Do you enjoy it?I am getting on for 30 but still work in a bike shop as a spanner monkey for a little more than minimum wage, so I sometimes feel a little sheepish when asked what I do as it's not a particularly impressive career path, but I still try to not be cagey about it when asked.
If so, you shouldn't be sheepish. Too many people put too much stock in other people's opinions!
Pesty said:
KaraK said:
There is indeed... ended up going there with some friends back in 2013 after a sort of weird game of "are we really going to do this" chicken and actually it was pretty fun! Can't say I'd make a trip specially unless you are really into pencils but if you're in the area then it's a good laugh for an hour or two.
Fun? I've just looked at the pictures of it. Exactly how I imagined. I don't even...In a previous life I spent 20 years in factory automation so the videos linked above hold some interest( not that I'd talk about it at a dinner party) but Jesus H a building with different colour pencils and an old van. I'd rather stick a 2b in my eye.
turbobloke said:
Mind reader? So you know they're thinking the question, or about to ask it 
Sort of 
I've been a pet/house sitter and dog walker for the last 5 years.
Curious neighbours might want to know why someone who is not the owner is staying in the house whilst they are away or see me out with a dog they recognise...and I'm not the owner etc.
I do tell people what I do for a day job on here from time to time.
I can't recall ever saying exactly what I do as a 'hobby' on here and, whilst I am sure I have left enough crumbs for anyone with the inclination to work it out, I have no intention of spelling it out as there is more chance of it causing an issue one day than ever being of assistance. I do tend to tell people in personal conversation as and when it comes up, although again am occasionally selective as the next question is often "Oh, so can you get me..."
I can't recall ever saying exactly what I do as a 'hobby' on here and, whilst I am sure I have left enough crumbs for anyone with the inclination to work it out, I have no intention of spelling it out as there is more chance of it causing an issue one day than ever being of assistance. I do tend to tell people in personal conversation as and when it comes up, although again am occasionally selective as the next question is often "Oh, so can you get me..."
Why don't people want to say what they do
1. Job is difficult to explain and often not worth the effort.
2. People will assume certain things about you from what you do which may not desired.
3. People will try to get you to do your job for free (PC Support, mechanic etc)
3. But IMO the most prevalent will be that people do boring jobs and like it or not, strangers will often judge you on what you do. Sounding "mysterious" and saying businessman is a lot better then telling someone you sell stationery or whatever.
However we are quite reserved in the UK on the whole and have nothing on most other countries. If you think asking what job you do is being rude, try going to country were within 30 seconds of meeting someone, they will ask how much you earn in a very direct manner and then base the rest of their interaction with you on that answer.
1. Job is difficult to explain and often not worth the effort.
2. People will assume certain things about you from what you do which may not desired.
3. People will try to get you to do your job for free (PC Support, mechanic etc)
3. But IMO the most prevalent will be that people do boring jobs and like it or not, strangers will often judge you on what you do. Sounding "mysterious" and saying businessman is a lot better then telling someone you sell stationery or whatever.
However we are quite reserved in the UK on the whole and have nothing on most other countries. If you think asking what job you do is being rude, try going to country were within 30 seconds of meeting someone, they will ask how much you earn in a very direct manner and then base the rest of their interaction with you on that answer.
deadtom said:
Maybe they just don't like the answer they have to give?
I am getting on for 30 but still work in a bike shop as a spanner monkey for a little more than minimum wage, so I sometimes feel a little sheepish when asked what I do as it's not a particularly impressive career path, but I still try to not be cagey about it when asked.
I worked in a bike shop when I left school in the late 90s,I got paid £2/hour plus 5% commission (no minimum wage back then). I loved it,even met my wife there and looking back over the many,many jobs I've had it was the one I enjoyed the most! Still bike mad too and I constantly think whenever I go in to my same local bike shop that I could happily jack in my job and go work there.I am getting on for 30 but still work in a bike shop as a spanner monkey for a little more than minimum wage, so I sometimes feel a little sheepish when asked what I do as it's not a particularly impressive career path, but I still try to not be cagey about it when asked.
These days I work on offshore wind turbines,it's a great job but I hate being asked at weddings and the like as it leads to a queue of people either wanting a job "I've been wanting to do that for a while" (I don't dish out the jobs), or people saying "Offshore? I bet you earn loads!". Unfortunately we don't,it's not oil and gas!
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