When someone asks, “What do you do for a living?” it’s an easy way for them to understand what you do and who you are as a person. Different situations require different answers.
Here are five situations and how to respond, based on context
- Straightforward Answer
If you think the person will understand your occupation, just state it plainly: “I’m a writer,” “I’m a journalist,” “I’m a doctor,” or “I’m a retail salesperson.” - Expressing Pride and Excitement
If you’re excited and proud of your work, talk about the impact you have on others. For example:- Accountant: “I help people feel less stressed about their taxes and finances.”
- Retail Worker: “I help people find clothing that makes them feel special every day.”
- When You Don’t Like Your Job
If you don’t enjoy your current job, you can differentiate between what you do for a living and what you’re passionate about: “Well, there’s what I do for a living, and then there’s what I actually do that makes life worth living. I’m really passionate about [your passion].” - In Between Jobs
If you’re looking for the next job, share your past work and future aspirations: “This is what I used to do for work, and what I’d really like to do is [your desired job].” - Not Working by Choice
If you don’t work and don’t plan to, simply explain how you spend your days: “I don’t work, but this is how I spend my days.”
I hope you found these tips helpful for answering the question, “What do you do for a living?” Happy networking!
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