1980dory Posted October 12, 2017 #26 Share Posted October 12, 2017 How about these: 1. I'm an IRS investigator. What was your name again? How do you spell that? (Write it down, and watch them run). 2.I'm a fugitive from justice. Please don't tell anyone. My life (and those around me) could be at risk. 3. I'm travelling incognito. I once told a timeshare salesman that I was a consumer fraud investigator. Now that was very interesting! :evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cklun Posted October 12, 2017 #27 Share Posted October 12, 2017 I say I was a buyer/merchandiser until seven years ago when I could no longer work due to the symptoms from Multiple Sclerosis. the boring truth. and it usually changes the subject! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zozizar Posted October 12, 2017 #28 Share Posted October 12, 2017 I would say something polite, "oh, my parents left me a little" or make up something relatively boring like part-time retail at Fred Meyer or Walmart. The person asking is being polite and wanting to make a connection to talk about. Making up something to specifically to make them uncomfortable would be rude, but if telling the truth makes you feel uncomfortable, maybe a white lie is best. Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxoocruiser Posted October 12, 2017 #29 Share Posted October 12, 2017 This whole thread reminds me of when I moved into my condo years ago. It was right after having to stop working due to MS having taken it's toll on my overall wellbeing. One of my neighbors ,who was quite well to do, struck up a conversation telling me everything he's done financially for his children. At one point in the conversation he said to me " You know what I'm talking about as you also have a trust fund as you're to young to be retired. Right ?" . To which I replied " yes that's right I'm a trust baby .... I'm trusting that my money won't run out before I die" The individual was caught off guard with my reply and just quietly walked away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lumpkin8 Posted October 14, 2017 #30 Share Posted October 14, 2017 My goodness....as someone earlier in this post mentioned, the question of what do you do for a living is almost always just an icebreaker. It is not meant to be judgemental, or a challenge, but merely a talking point and something to comment on in appreciation. No one needs to be defensive for not working, for doing volunteer work, or for being on disabilty....most people will not judge you for whatever your answer is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamma7 Posted October 18, 2017 #31 Share Posted October 18, 2017 I used to work for the tax dept. People changed the subject very quickly when I answered their question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare GeezerCouple Posted October 29, 2017 #32 Share Posted October 29, 2017 How about these:1. I'm an IRS investigator. What was your name again? How do you spell that? (Write it down, and watch them run). 2.I'm a fugitive from justice. Please don't tell anyone. My life (and those around me) could be at risk. 3. I'm travelling incognito. I once told a timeshare salesman that I was a consumer fraud investigator. Now that was very interesting! :evilsmile: Love it! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hickorydickorydc Posted November 2, 2017 #33 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Like many already said it is usually just an ice breaker. They aren't really asking about your salary they are asking about what you do on a daily basis. You can steer the conversation into what ever it is that your passionate about. "Oh, talking about work is no fun but I love gardening! Or volunteering or watching Game of Thrones or spending time with friends and family" or whatever it is that you enjoy doing in your life! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firerunner Posted November 2, 2017 #34 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I tell them the truth - that we make and sell sex toys. Always shuts them up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc3443 Posted November 2, 2017 #35 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I tell them I'm a porn star and ask if they have seen any of my movies. The reactions are priceless and can really identify people I am willing to spend more time with... Edit to add: Firerunner and I could have some fun on a cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pearlieq Posted November 5, 2017 #36 Share Posted November 5, 2017 You can steer the conversation into what ever it is that your passionate about. "Oh, talking about work is no fun but I love gardening! Or volunteering or watching Game of Thrones or spending time with friends and family" or whatever it is that you enjoy doing in your life! This is excellent advice and a great way to phrase your response. End with, "And what do you enjoy doing?" and the conversation should be successfully be batted back to them and into more interesting things to discuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBC29 Posted November 5, 2017 #37 Share Posted November 5, 2017 When I was getting government assistance I rarely got the "what do you do" questions but I usually answered "I work for the government" which is technically true. With all the silly hoops they make physically challenged people do in order to get benefits it's work. More often I get the "why are you in a wheelchair" or "what's wrong with you", those answers vary depending whose asking an where we are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SargassoPirate Posted November 7, 2017 #38 Share Posted November 7, 2017 How I answer depends on the other folks. It is sometimes an ice breaker and I don't mind sharing what I used to do, but sometimes I get the distinct feeling that it's a "social standing qualifier" type of question. If that's the case, I often just say I don't work anymore as I take a sip of scotch.:cool: If they press, I just say that I used to make license plates but now I'm in the witness protection program. :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVE-O Posted November 8, 2017 #39 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Me: " I'm a song writer...country music mostly" Cruiser: " Have you written any song I might know"? Me: " Have you heard George Strait's song Amarillo By Morning "? Cruiser: "Ya!...it's one of my favorites"!! Me: " I had absolutely nothing to do with that song"!!! Had this exact conversation 3 times so far.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVE-O Posted November 8, 2017 #40 Share Posted November 8, 2017 I tell them the truth - that we make and sell sex toys. Always shuts them up Do you have a catalog or website? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1980dory Posted November 8, 2017 #41 Share Posted November 8, 2017 I tell them the truth - that we make and sell sex toys. Always shuts them up Have you tried or had any success with some door to door sales on cruises? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firerunner Posted November 9, 2017 #42 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Do you have a catalog or website? Yup we do :) not sure if i can post it on here though and you have to think 50 shades of grey stuff (we actually supplied them with some movie props) or if you watch Gotham, they have a dungeon - ya thats our stuff in that dungeon LOL so yes we do have a website but its not safe to post on here..:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firerunner Posted November 9, 2017 #43 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Have you tried or had any success with some door to door sales on cruises? We actually supplied the furniture for a BDSM kinky cruise (i think they still do them) was interesting for things like handcuffs..not allowed. But we cruise to get away from work so no door to door LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted November 9, 2017 #44 Share Posted November 9, 2017 (edited) Back to the original question. I simply say that I'm an accountant, which is the truth. Most of the time people find that really boring but when I run into a real accountant we can clear the room when we hit on what, for us, is very interesting stuff because our conversation, while of interest to us, is guaranteed to clear the room. Edited March 11, 2018 by Host Walt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc3443 Posted November 27, 2017 #45 Share Posted November 27, 2017 Back to the original question. I simply say that I'm an accountant, which is the truth. Most of the time people find that really boring but when I run into a real accountant we can clear the room when we hit on what, for us, is very interesting dtuf because our conversation, while of interest to us, is guaranteed to clear the room. You appear to have cleared this room too... :') Just funnin'! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted November 28, 2017 #46 Share Posted November 28, 2017 You appear to have cleared this room too... :') Just funnin'! :D See how effective that technique is? :evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fox02554 Posted March 11, 2018 #47 Share Posted March 11, 2018 I tell them I'm a porn star and ask if they have seen any of my movies. The reactions are priceless and can really identify people I am willing to spend more time with... Edit to add: Firerunner and I could have some fun on a cruise! Just tell them " I'm sorry I signed a confidentiality agreement " Funrunner & jc3443 , we all want to go with the two of you on your next cruise :'):'):') sign me up SaveSave SaveSave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc3443 Posted March 12, 2018 #48 Share Posted March 12, 2018 Just tell them " I'm sorry I signed a confidentiality agreement " Funrunner & jc3443 , we all want to go with the two of you on your next cruise :'):'):') sign me up I like the confidentiality agreement idea! :') Well Firerunner? When is your next cruise? Next one we have booked is aboard Brilliance of the Seas June 2019 to the British Isles. We might do one before then though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1980dory Posted May 29, 2018 #49 Share Posted May 29, 2018 My answer was "I'm a professional pryer". I did work for the government, in a position that was sure to elicit all sorts of "highly charged" :rolleyes: discussion, shall we say. I didn't want to start that, so I learned to side-step smoothly. Soo...what was your position, Ruth? You can tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone! "Highly charged". Hmmm. I'll bet you worked for the IRS or TSA. Right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted May 29, 2018 #50 Share Posted May 29, 2018 I find that most people just ask where people are from and if they have kids .Rarely am I ever asked my profession .I guess I am in the minority here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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