The Most Common Question
One of the most common questions I get asked when meeting new people is “What do you do?” You know the expected answer to that question, don’t you? It could well have been phrased differently as in “What is your job?”
Research has shown time and time again that words are very important because they also shape reality. This is why I think that in most cases this is the wrong question to ask. It implies that the most important thing about you is your job. That you are your job. It implies that if you are currently unemployed you are worthless. The reality is — or should be — however, that you are much more than your job.
Have you ever tried answering that question in its more literal sense?
“What do you do?” I paint, I write, I like to go for walks in the countryside, I read as much as I can, I do my best to enjoy some quality time with my kids and wife/husband, I play football, basketball… Try it. See what the reaction of the other person would be. See what new route the conversation takes. It could well lead to a friendship, to a meaningful one probably.
If your job is your passion, you could answer by saying what your job is. But still, make your answer more sincere, more meaningful. Are you a passionate mechanic? Well, “I love taking care of cars.”, “I love trying to understand what a vehicle needs and make it happen” or something along those lines would be a great answer I think. Try it, you’ll like it (more often than not).
Think of your answer. Imagine what your answer would be when you’re asked this question. This is how you will be able to give a different answer to this traditional and often-used question.
Better yet, if you usually find yourself asking that question, why don’t you change that? Better questions to ask?
What do you love to do?
What are you passionate about?
What is your dream?
What makes life worth living for you?
What is it that makes you want to get up in the morning?
What keeps you awake at night?
Tell me something about you.
What are your hobbies?
What motivates you?
I believe changing “What do you do?” and/or its typical answer could be one way to make the world a better place.
Have an amazing day,
Manrico
PS. Feel free to find me on Twitter, apart from Medium if you would like to learn more about me or get in touch.
