Is it normal to dread answering 'What do you do?' questions?

Absolutely. Many people find themselves feeling anxious or uncertain when asked about their profession, especially if they're in a transitional phase, exploring new paths, or simply feel their job doesn't fully represent them. This common feeling often stems from the pressure to define oneself by a job title, rather than by broader aspirations or values. It's a very human reaction to a question that can feel loaded with expectation.

Research from LinkedIn suggests that nearly 60% of professionals have considered or are actively exploring a career change at any given time, indicating widespread re-evaluation of work and purpose.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who dreads answering 'what do you do?' questions when searching for purpose?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone dread answering 'what do you do?' questions when purpose searching?

Does Everyone?

Is it weird to dread answering 'what do you do?' when you're still figuring things out?

Is It Weird?

Why do I dread answering 'what do you do?' questions?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

I'm 22, live in a shoebox, and sling coffee while everyone expects me to, like, PICK A LANE and I just—I mean I don't even—what the actual fuck are we even doing here, humans?

purpose searching

ugh like i'm just so tired of drawing logos for banks. …

purpose searching

This is stupid but— standing on the balcony, looking at the city lights after closing that last deal, the net worth… it just felt like a terminal cessation of desire, a strange anhedonia I wasn't… …

purpose searching

I've been parked here at this rest stop off I-80 for nearly an hour, engine off, just watching the semis roll in and out. …

purpose searching

I just— I don't know, I'm sitting here, it's like 2 AM and I'm supposed to be asleep because I have that big client meeting tomorrow, you know, the one for the new luxury watch line, and I just can't… …

purpose searching

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel so much pressure to define myself by my job?▾
Societal expectations often link identity closely with profession, leading to an internal pressure to present a 'successful' or clearly defined career path. This can make the 'What do you do?' question feel like an assessment of your entire worth, rather than just a simple inquiry about your work.
What's a good way to answer 'What do you do?' when I'm searching for purpose?▾
Try focusing on your current activities or future aspirations rather than just a job title. You might say, 'I'm currently exploring new opportunities in [field]' or 'I'm focusing on developing skills in [area] to pursue [goal].' This shifts the conversation to your direction and interests.
Does everyone feel this way about career questions?▾
While not everyone feels the same intensity, a significant portion of adults report discomfort or anxiety when discussing their career, particularly if they perceive their current role as temporary or unfulfilling. It's a widely shared experience, especially among those seeking more meaning in their work.

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