You have no identity outside of your profession

The first question, without fail, in our capitalist society: what do you do?

I meet you for the first time. You always lead with ‘what do you do’?

Went to a blogging meetup full of strangers recently. I could tell immediately from the energy and the question re: my work that several people were not from the Pacific Northwest.

Because at least here, culturally if you are not a transplant, you will not ask about my profession as the first question. We will small talk, get to know each other’s sensibilities, and see if it goes further before asking for resumes.

Went on a tour group in Spain. Was hoping to have fun. But of course, the person I was seated next to talked about her work and drilled me about mine. The whole group then subject to our boring work rants. A moment of pure ruin!

Went to a parenting group (an artifact of the Pacific Northwest as well) and was looking forward to talking about the main subject: parenting. A fellow parent decided to talk about her career as the ice breaker.

As I described the annoyance to my friend, she asked me ‘honestly what’s wrong in leading with your profession’?
I could have answered sarcastically or poured out my feelings. I decided neither mattered and let it go.

I meet someone new in my kid’s music class. We talk about the weather, traffic, local politics, and tulips. Absolute perfection.