what do you do for a living?
my girlfriend heather and i got to talking about the absurdity of beginning conversations with people we meet by asking, “what do you do for a living?” the question suggests the ability to define humans by the way we earn our living. that the hours spent on the 9-5 grind some how can sum a person up. imagine how much more effective it would be to ask, “what do you love?” “where have you been?” “where are you going?” or “what do you fear?”
i went to a party last weekend where i knew i would be meeting bunches of new people. before walking through the front door, i challenged myself to step out of the standard conversation box. in turn i had sincere, interesting conversations about food, travel, and the challenges of family.
some lucky ducks are blessed to have their work run parallel with their passions. fortunately, i am navigating my way through making a living by following my dreams. that being said, there is more to me than writer, wannabe photographer, and part time doctor’s office receptionist. i am a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, and a friend. i am a traveler, a bibliophile, a lover of music. i am often afraid, but willing to work through my fear to try new things. i am a sufferer of anxiety. a lover of horror movies. a chicken shit with needles.
as we roll towards the weekend where we will undoubtedly find ourselves in the company of new faces, i present you with the same challenge. be creative. if you are in college refrain from asking girls what their majors are. if you are beyond college do not be so quick to ask people what they do for a living. you just might be able to really get to know someone!
