We often judge others by their professions, but people are far more than their jobs. Here's a resonant response to the common question, "What do you do for a living?"
You've likely experienced it: just two minutes into a conversation with someone new, and they ask, "What do you do for a living?" It's frustrating, right?
Who hasn't faced this? It's like trying to label someone based on their job.
Having an impressive resume doesn't make you more interesting than anyone else. A person is not defined solely by their career.
When this question arises, it can catch us off guard. Judging someone by their profession and social status is overly limiting.
This query is increasingly common and often makes people uneasy, especially those with non-traditional paths. Traditional career climbers can boast credentials easily, but it overlooks personality depth.
Before work, in retirement, unemployment, or illness, our worth doesn't vanish—far from it.
For a perspective-shifting reply, consider this widely shared text from Psychanalyse Jungienne on Facebook (author unknown):
"And you, what do you do for a living?"
Who hasn't heard this at networking events, dinners, reunions, or neighborly chats?
"What do you do for a living?"
I always want to say: "Me? In life, I walk, I play, I learn, I read, I admire nature, I connect with people, I marvel, I savor, I LIVE!"
Yet the real intent is often "What's your job?"—as if work defines us entirely, the primary measure of worth.
Yes, we spend much time working, but I am more than my profession.
I reject labels—secretary, engineer, cleaner, executive, or lawyer. Behind this question lurks comparison: gauging status, salary, self-worth.
"It's pretty sterile to label people and squeeze them into categories." – Carl Gustav Jung
You are not your appearance, job, possessions, or others' opinions. Stop boxing people in by looks, roles, background, or status.
You are more than that: a spiritual being on a human journey, rich with ideas, dreams, emotions.
You are YOU. Be authentically you, without labels—for yourself or others. Otherwise, you miss their true essence.
And you... what do YOU do for a living? "Well, I'm doing my best!"
