Conversation starters: What we talk about when we talk about work
So, what do you do for a living? Even though we are being advised to avoid that as an opening line in a conversation, work is still a topic when meeting new people or reconnecting with others. And since there’s plenty of meeting and reconnecting at holiday parties, we figured we ask some people how they best handle questions about their job — or lack thereof. Here’s what they had to say:
“I think the best way to talk about work is to speak in general terms. No one is really that concerned. It’s more of an obligatory question. Just tell them what you do, ask what they do and move on.”
– Marcy Lambert, Skokie, Illinois
“I’m retired now but love finding out what people do for a living. But you can’t just stop at a basic answer. If you really want to make conversation with someone or make them feel comfortable, ask about what they do and how long they’ve been doing it and why they do it and what they like about it. It’s a great starting point for a conversation.”
– Paul B., Chicago
“I tell people I’m a teacher and half of them are cool about it, maybe a little too enthusiastic, to be honest. But the other half? Complete jerks. You find out I’m a teacher and then you’re going to rip into my profession? Rip into my union? Really? I’m ready for the annual Christmas Day battles over politics and social issues with my family but it stops there. If I’m just meeting you, I don’t care what you think about education. I don’t care what you think about teachers. I love my job, I love my kids and I don’t want to deal with people who tell me how my people in my profession are failing our children because I can assure you that we are not.”
– J.M., Des Plaines, Illinois
“My advice for talking about work? Don’t do it. I hate talking about my job and to be honest, hearing about your job bores me to death. Find another topic. No one cares.”
– Joseph N., Chicago
“I like talking about my job. I’m a nurse and I like telling people what I do. What I don’t like is when people want to tell me all about their health problems. Sorry, I’m at a party, not at the hospital. Save it for your doctor.”
– Vanessa P., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“I lost my job about two weeks ago so I think people who know me know better than to ask. If they do, I just tell them I’m re-evaluating what I want to do. I tell them I’m in a transition phase. The truth is I have about six months of severance and I don’t plan on looking for a new job anytime soon. But you can’t tell people that. Oh no. They’ll look at you like you’re a menace to society.”
– T.C., Chicago