Everyone seems obsessed with what you do!

In some countries it is rude, and considered insulting, to ask what you do, and is seen as stinking of some form of oneupmanship by those people for who it is true. I am not sure what the obsession is, some vague psychological weakness, or an inability to hold a conversation about anything, I can't determine initially. I would be intrigued to know.

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WhateverWorks · 36-40

For me, if I ask what someone does, I’m asking about their interests, goals, and what they’ve got going on. If they don’t like their job then I empathize, then I change the topic to what they’d like to be doing instead.

Noclue · 56-60, M

It is a western thing. not one upmanship but just that your identity is what you do

MrAverage1965 · 61-69, M

Its simply showing an interest in someones life. If someone is working what they do at work usually fills most of their waking hours. So its an important part of their life.

Smidke · 26-30, F

@MrAverage1965 Are you defined by what you do, is there nothing much more to you than what job you do?

MrAverage1965 · 61-69, M

@Smidke I know for some work is everything for others its not. We are all different. Why shouldn't we ask someone what they do. Its just like any other question an invitation for someone to share as much or as little as they like.

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