What have people falsely assumed about you, based on your job?

WE all make assumptions about other people, some based on prior experience, some based on heresay, and some for reasons we can’t explain. Some of those we make are based on the kind of work people do and how this impacts their value or even the kind of relationships they have.

What have people assumed about you and your life, based on your job, that is completely false? We asked some fellows, and this is what they said.

Andre, 25, soldier:

Women immediately assume that because I’m in the army I’m a player and I have women all over the place. But this is not true. Yes, many of my colleagues let us down, but you can’t use some men to broadbrush the whole profession. In fact, I’m a Christian and have a fiancée, and when I do get married, this is the one woman I plan to be with for the rest of my life.

Orlando, 33, policeman:

People think that because of the kind of work I do I will treat women bad, be jealous, have kids in every parish, and live the struggle life.

But I’m very accomplished, with a second degree, a well-established business, two children with my wife, and respect for all women. Not all cops are the same, and you can’t assume that we all enter this field because we can’t do better.

Nathan, 43, pastor:

People assume that I’m vanilla, and spend my time reading the Bible, and don’t know trends or how to experiment. But it’s nothing like that. I appreciate various genres of music; I even have a band with my kids and their friends, and I read widely, very widely. While I live a wholesome life, I’d say that I’m more interesting and grounded than many other men, and I appreciate everything good that

God placed on this Earth — good food, good music, and the good looking woman who’s my wife.

Paul-andrew, 30, doctor:

Women will slither right up to me when they find out what I do because they think I’m rich. But fact is, like a lot of my colleagues, I’m in debt, working for pennies, and can’t even afford to move out of my parents’ house.

Kevin, 24, IT technician:

People think we are nerds who don’t have a life, but that’s a lie. I may be quiet, and I may look like I can’t mash ants, but I can promise you that I’m the king of the jungle and a freak.