What Do You Do? : Ask Me Anything

Here’s another A.M.E. posting. This time, it’s Lei asking: When people (not online acquaintances) ask you what kind of work you do, how do you answer?

Since I started to practice again as a psychologist, it’s easier to answer this question. But, I know that this isn’t what you wish to know, so…
Well, I have different sets of responses to this question, depending on a few factors such as:

1) How well I know the person asking.
2) A quick gauge of the person’s level of interest. (Whether they’re really interested or if they’re just asking a “standard” question.)
3) How I feel in the situation. (How busy I am at the time comes in to play here too.)

Basically, I start with a ‘general’ response like: “I work from home.” or “I’m a freelancer.”

Often, it stops there if the person asking isn’t really keen. Some people do ask more questions. And, the more questions I get, the better I respond.

Maybe because that’s how I communicate with people. I like asking questions. I want to show my interest in individuals. I prefer two-way conversations. And, often, I find that the more I ask, the more people seem to warm up and share.

Of course, there are different ways of asking questions. The best kind is the “Yes, I’m interested to find out more” variety. The worst is the “I’m being really rude and overly nosy/insensitive/etc.” type. I avoid the latter and strive for the former. But, I digress.

In any case, I’m not sure if this is what you’re hoping to find out. But, it’s the best I can come up with right now, so… :coolsmile: