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Asking questions is a very normal way for people to communicate. We learn new information, gain knowledge, and even get to know each other better when we ask relevant questions. Get-to-know questions are probably the most popular ones, because as humans, we tend to be rather curious about others around us. These questions may vary from personal tastes to some family and background questions and even questions about your job and career.
And while things that are profession-related might seem like good questions to ask if you want to strike up a conversation with a new acquaintance, this is not entirely true. Having little to no information about a certain profession is nothing criminal, but sometimes this leads to stereotypes and really ignorant questions or comments.
Whatever career path you have chosen in your life, you have most certainly at one point heard really weird things from people that made you wonder how they ever thought those were appropriate questions to ask. At other times, instead of asking a question, someone might ask for a professional favor that, in reality, has nothing to do with your occupation.
If you want to avoid stupid questions to ask people regarding their jobs, don’t operate on assumptions or repeat things from an unverified source. The best questions are probably the ones where you ask the other person to give you some additional information about what they do before you proceed with more specific inquiries.
Has anyone ever asked you stupid questions about your profession? How do you deal with such questions and weird requests for services? Share your experience in the comments.
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#1
"Oh, you're a paramedic? I have this thing on my toe, will you check it?"
krispyd replied: "Ask for $5 look at it for two seconds and tell them to go to the hospital/doctor."
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
I rarely let acquaintances know of my distant, checkered past as a military field medic and civilian EMT. I'll let others hand out diagnoses. Pass me another beer.
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#2
"Oh, you're a linguist? How many languages do you speak?"
"The correct thing to ask a linguist is, 'Tell me something interesting about languages/what you've been studying' - and then prepare yourself for a 30-minute monologue on something that is of no interest to anyone other than linguists but will make the linguist very happy that someone is showing an interest in their work."
#3
"Oh, you're a law student? What would happen if (insert hypothetical legal scenario.)"
Prepare for disappointment, because the answer to almost every legal question is "it depends".
Stardust she/her 1 year ago
“What if I light a building on fire and chuck a chair at my boss and he dies?” “It depends”
#4
"You're in the Air Force? So you fly planes?
Nah I fly a desk."
WaffleCorp replied: "Ah yes, the Chair Force."
Stardust she/her 1 year ago
I remember being stranded on an island in the middle of nowhere. I still feel grateful for the Chair force after they pulled me up on their desks with a rope made of stapler pins
#5
"Oh, you're a graphic designer? Can you make a logo for me really quickly? It's for my cousin's birthday."
RavenTheCat 1 year ago
i mean i used to be a graphic designer, i dont have the right programs for it as they are just way too expensive. too busy drawing overly-complicated furry themed parody art anyway
#6
“Oh, you’re a midwife? I need someone to pull a lamb from my laboring ewe.” "
This actually happened to me."
#7
"You are an illustrator? I have an idea for a children's book. We should collaborate!"
#9
"Oh, you're employed by our company as a robotic process automation engineer, does that means we're all going to be replaced by robots?"
"I've come up with the perfect response to this: "No, just you.'"
#10
"Oh, you're an artist? Can you draw me, I'll pay you with exposure."
jonathanquirk replied: "Sorry, you don't look that pretty."
#11
"Oh, you test video games? So I got stuck on this part of 'Barbie's Horse Adventures.'"
#12
"Oh, you studied psychology? Then I'll have to watch what I'm thinking, as you can read my mind."
#13
"Oh, you’re an astronomer? Why is my outlook as Pisces so negative this month? I heard all the planets are going to be lined up what does that mean for my horoscope?"
Thomas Bentley 1 year ago
It means that I am going to do a summoning for a demon, and sacrifice everyone who asked me to read their horoscope.
#15
“Oh, you’re a chemical engineer? Do you know how to make a bomb?”
"Heard this from everyone from my parents to colleagues in summer jobs."
#16
"You work in a restaurant? How about treating me to dinner sometime?"
Benita Valdez 1 year ago
How about I treat you to my foot in your àss? I can't tell you how many people used to ask me for a discount when i was a waitress.
#17
"Oh, you're a math guy, can you multiply these two really big numbers or figure out square roots in your head?"
"No, I can't. I am a mathematician, not a calculator."
Vinchenski 1 year ago
I'm a physics student (so mostly maths) and my kids ask me to do ludicrous sums in my head all the time... One day they are going to use a calculator and catch me out.
#18
"Oh, you are an artist? Draw me for free!"
#19
"I work in a gas station. I'm frequently asked to check tire pressure/fluids/brakes, fix the gas pumps, diagnose car issues and give advice about cars in general. And of course, they get angry when I'm unable to help."
Benita Valdez 1 year ago
Gas attendant does not equal mechanic. Also, diesel mechanic usually can't fix your car problem; they work on huge diesel run machines like excavators and backhoes which are just slightly different than your Honda civic.
#20
"Oh, you’re a programmer? So you can like, hack Facebook right?"
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
If someone p!ssed me off, the best I could do after revealing my software job at an insurance firm's data center was to threaten to raise their premiums. That shuts-em up!
#21
"I'm an airport baggage handler."
How much is a ticket from Walla Walla to Dubai?'"
Shelby Moonheart 1 year ago
I can understand someone wanting to go somewhere other than Walla Walla, WA.
#22
"Oh, you’re a therapist?" [Tells me about their family member who really needs to see a therapist].
#23
"I worked as a general admin in a small IT department. I found out my mother-in-law was telling people that I could build a website for them."
#24
"Oh, you're a programmer? I have an idea for a cool app!"
#25
"Oh, you’re an architect? Can you draw up this house I designed in AutoCAD?"
Elliott Rogers 1 year ago
NO. Even worse, in the architecture proffession, is when they ask you to *quickly* draw them an entire house. Depends on the site survey, the region, what your budget is, etc. We can't just manifest a house that has all your wants/needs in it for free in two minutes.
#26
"Oh, you're a photographer, can you take pictures for my wedding/birthday/Christmas?"
#28
"Oh, you’re a firefighter? Do you actually go to work?"
Benita Valdez 1 year ago
Wrong wording but can be a legit question. You can ask if they're a volunteer and then ask what they do in their off-time. If they are not a volunteer then it would be ok to ask what they do in their downtime when not tending to fires. Using "actually " is just insulting and rude
#29
"Oh, you're a psychologist, can you chat with my kid and see if he is depressed."
RagDollLali 1 year ago
"Does he have to deal with you on a daily basis?" "Yes" "Then he's depressed"
#30
"Oh, you're a welder. What do you actually do?"
"I hate explaining that medications and food and drink don't just make themselves. I make the machines that make them."
#31
"Oh, you work at a library? I read a book with a blue cover about 20 years ago, do you know what the title is and who the author was?"
#32
"Oh, you're an animator? Can you recreate the Mona Lisa?"
bElLa sTairZz 1 year ago
i refuse to belive than anyone could ask this, its more likely for them to ask what your 'real job' is
#34
"Oh, you’re a teacher - must be nice to have the summer off."
#36
"Oh, you're an electrical engineer, can you wire my garage?"
#37
"Oh, you're a chemical analyst? You must know how to make drugs."
RavenTheCat 1 year ago
: My name is Walter Hartwell White. I live at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104. To all law enforcement entities, this is not an admission of guilt. I am speaking to my family now. Skyler you are the love of my life. I hope you know that. Walter Junior you're my big man. There are going to be some things. Things that you'll come to learn about me in the next few days. I just want you to know that no matter how it may look, I only had you in my heart. Goodbye.
#38
"Oh, you're a food scientist? Can you make me a non-nutritive cereal varnish?"
Benita Valdez 1 year ago
Just don't put the non-chloric, silicon-based kitchen lubricant on your sled
#39
"Oh, you work in construction? [Proceeds to ask about fixing things around the house, asking if something was installed wrong because it doesn't look right, or wants a price quote for various projects]."
#41
"Oh, you work in social media? How do I blow up my Instagram/Youtube?"
#42
"Oh, you work as a social media analyst? Can you check why I don't get many likes or comments on my photos?"
#43
"Oh you are an accountant, can you do my taxes?"
"No Mary, I can't. I work for a corporate company, not frigging H&R block. I mean I probably could but I don't wanna."
#45
"You're a massage therapist? Oh my God, that's amazing, you must be so relaxed." Being a massage therapist doesn't equate to getting massages, but ok.
"And also: 'You're a massage therapist? My neck has been killing me...' as they turn their head and lean their neck toward me."
#46
"Oh, you make lasers? Can you make me a lightsaber?"
#48
"Oh, you're a teacher? Let me tell you what is wrong with the whole school system and how I think you should do it."
"Please shut up. A lot of us know. We know the old system is outdated. And we are changing it, it just takes time and patience to change big systems like that. The transition to something newer/better will be with steps at a time. Not a big huge overhaul at once, that will only cause more chaos."
#49
"I'm a dog trainer. Everyone immediately tells me about what their dog is doing wrong and asks for tips."
Benita Valdez 1 year ago
Please provide free advice so I don't have to pay you. My dog trainer deals with this alot too.
#50
“Oh you’re an airplane mechanic? What part do you work on? “
Every part.
"'Do you get discounts on flights?'
Free, on my airline, if there’s a seat open.
'Can I get a buddy pass?'
Do I know you?"
#51
"Oh, you're a programmer? I have a problem with my printer..."
#52
"Oh, you're a truck driver? Can you come to tell me what's wrong with my car?"
#53
"Oh, you work in wine retail? Should I buy 'Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon?'"
Vinchenski 1 year ago
Isn't this one just asking someone in the industry for their advice/opinion, whereas the others in this list are asking for something for free?
#54
"Oh, you work with dogs? My dog has this spot/cough/keeps itching/always barking/constant eye boogers/drools a lot/etc..."
#58
"Oh, you write fantasy? Come up with something interesting!"
Had this amazing social interaction 2 days ago.
#59
"Oh, you're a musician, play that one that goes, 'bun dum dum bun dum donn bom.'"
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
Respond with, "When I'm guitar-playing and singing on a street corner, people pay me to stop. What's your best offer?"
#60
"Oh, you work in finance? What stock/fund should I buy or you must be making a boatload on your personal investments with all the insider information you have access to?"
#61
"Oh, you work for the library? I just read this book, but I don't remember the title. [Poceeds to expose the entire plot.] Do you know what it is?"
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
One of my job titles was "project librarian" wherein I was responsible for software source code listings. Ask about an insurance-policy-counting module. Go ahead; I'll wait.
#62
"Oh, you're an archivist... what is an archivist?"
#63
"You're astrophysicists? Cool, I'm a Leo and also have an interest in astrology and horoscopes."
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
"You're a Scorpio. That means you'll die whan a scorpion attacks you. My advice: Stay out of Arizona. Fifty-five dollars, please. And put that telescope down. Slowly..."
#64
"Oh, you work with museums? I am a young artist with zero experience, how do I make an exhibit?
#65
"Oh, you're a biologist? What's the name of this bug?"
"No, I don't know every single animal species. There are literally millions of them."
Benita Valdez 1 year ago
Oh I had a good one. "Oh you're a biology major? So then do you do biopsies? " Well if I went into the medical field I suppose maybe I could. She was a nice girl but um yeah
#66
"Oh, you’re a claims adjuster? How do I get cheaper insurance?"
#67
"Oh, you're a scientist? Why are you guys hiding the cure to cancer/Covid?!"
#68
"Oh, you’re a scientist? What medicine should I take for this condition?"
fair_weather_rose 1 year ago
Excessive amounts of cyanide. Cures practically all ailments, with the possible exception of the undead.
#70
"Oh, you’re a chef? So what's the deal with risotto?"
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
One close to me was personal chef for a software zillionaire. I'm sure he was asked about risotto occasionally. Hey, if it comes with the job, just roll with it!
#71
"Oh, you're a teacher? Please explain to me how my child's teacher had the audacity to give them a C despite it being very obvious that my child is a genius!"
"Bonus points if they want you to explain the grading criteria in a completely different subject and level of schooling than you teach. Like, I teach high school and community college English and Social Studies - why do you expect me to know the grading criteria for middle school math?"
StrangeOne 1 year ago
I can't believe parents get that worked up over grading scores. Wouldn't be more worthwhile to actually go over your child's work with them, have a look in their binder and see where they may need extra help?
#73
"Oh, you make quilts? Can you make me a shirt, hem my jeans, sew on a patch..."
fair_weather_rose 1 year ago
When my mom was in college, she made real money fixing/altering clothes for people
#74
"Oh, you're a game developer? Can you finish this chapter of this game?"
#75
"Oh, you're in the military. Thank you for your service."
"I get paid extremely well to send e-mails and return phone calls all day."
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
"I was poorly paid to fix radios, drive ambulances, and shoot at targets. You're welcome, citizen."
#76
"Oh, you're an engineer? Can you assemble all those IKEA furnitures?"
#78
"Oh, you’re a gardener? Why I even can't keep my cactus alive?"
Hypoxia Smurf 1 year ago
"Don't let your backyard Dobermans eat the opuntia pads. You're welcome."
#79
"Oh, you work for a law firm? My son’s ex-girlfriend wants full custody of their kid. What should he do?"
"I’m a mass tort paralegal. He needs to get a lawyer."
#80
"Oh, you’re a voice actor? Do X character’s voice!"
RavenTheCat 1 year ago
thats not how voice acting works! i would know. i can barely do Johnny bravo. honestly the only iconic one i can do is micky mouse and even thats questionable
What do you think ?
StrangeOne 1 year ago
"Oh, you work at a thrift store? Isn't it gross, used clothing and stuff that's super dirty? Like, that's nasty, wearing used clothes with stains and grime. You don't actually shop there, right?" "Um.. actually I do, and we have a whole production team sorting, grading and prepping donations for sale. The sorters "rag out" the nasty, smelly items and the rest of the team watches for anything missed. The good stuff gets put out on the sales floor. Although I do always wash the clothes I buy before I wear them. Frankly, it's not any grosser than trying on clothes in the change room in a retail store. Clothing that has touch the skin of many and bears the deodorant marks and skin flakes."
StrangeOne 1 year ago
"Oh, you work at a thrift store? Isn't it gross, used clothing and stuff that's super dirty? Like, that's nasty, wearing used clothes with stains and grime. You don't actually shop there, right?" "Um.. actually I do, and we have a whole production team sorting, grading and prepping donations for sale. The sorters "rag out" the nasty, smelly items and the rest of the team watches for anything missed. The good stuff gets put out on the sales floor. Although I do always wash the clothes I buy before I wear them. Frankly, it's not any grosser than trying on clothes in the change room in a retail store. Clothing that has touch the skin of many and bears the deodorant marks and skin flakes."
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