Stop Being Boring When People Ask So What Do You DoSmall talk will never not be awkward, because to get to know someone you have to ask some fraught questions. Some questions should stay off limits, but its almost always fair game to ask So what do you do for a living Still, answering it can be a pain in the ass. Maybe the last thing you want to talk about is your shitty job. Maybe your job is complicated and you cant easily explain it. Maybe, like me, you go into therapy mode and start unloading all your emotional hang ups about your career. To avoid these traps, try Fast Companys tips on engagingly describing what you do Find something relatable Explain your job the way the average person might come into contact with it. You know how cereal box tops have simpler slots that dont rip My company invented those. If youre in a deadly car accident and its the car companys fault, I decide whether to issue a recall. Skip the nitty gritty details Dont list off your rsum or dump all your career worries. This is especially important for freelancers or entrepreneurs, who might feel required to account for all their income streams. The other person doesnt want time sheets, they want a jumping off point for a pleasant conversation. Pick what youre feeling the best about, whether or not it makes any money, and talk about that. Show instead of tell If you can carry around an example of what you do, go for it. But unless youre at a networking event, dont turn this into a pitch. These tips hit home for the Lifehacker team. I only remember one practical writing lesson from my three years as an English major Whenever you can, put the best bits at the end of the sentence. Put the next. Writing careers are non linear and involve a lot of aspirations and concessions, so writers often over explain or self deprecate. Watch Youth Without Youth Online here. This can be awkward for the other person, who might feel obligated to prop up your ego or talk you through a personal crisis. In any line of work, speak confidently about what you do. No ones out to get you with this question. But do tailor your answer to your audience. My Lifehacker colleagues choose the title blogger or journalist depending on how much theyre ready to get grilled about the lamestream media. Theres always a way to play your job up or down, without excessive bragging or self flagellation. My favorite answer to What do you do comes from the father of a childhood friend I provide products and services. Watch The Raven Dailymotion here. He would reveal nothing more. It was a lot more memorable than whatever desk job the guy probably had. I/510XE2GJMZL._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFOUR%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg' alt='Watch Bob The Builder: A Christmas To Remember Megavideo' title='Watch Bob The Builder: A Christmas To Remember Megavideo' />How to Answer the Question What Do You Do Without Boring Anyone Fast Company. Hk5t6xBBWew/hqdefault.jpg' alt='Watch Bob The Builder: A Christmas To Remember Megavideo' title='Watch Bob The Builder: A Christmas To Remember Megavideo' />Kindle, 6 glarefree touchscreen display, designed as a dedicated ereader. Touchscreen display that reads like paper, no screen glare even in bright sunlight.