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Stupid Profession-Related Questions People Are Tired Of Hearing

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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.

This post may include affiliate links.

#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."

chumpidcul Report

34points

#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."

reddit.com Report

32points

#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".

Noodle613 Report

30points

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#4

"You're in the Air Force? So you fly planes?

Nah I fly a desk."

WaffleCorp replied: "Ah yes, the Chair Force."

cjt11203 Report

28points

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#5

"Oh, you're a graphic designer? Can you make a logo for me really quickly? It's for my cousin's birthday."

27points

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#6

“Oh, you’re a midwife? I need someone to pull a lamb from my laboring ewe.” "

This actually happened to me."

25points

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#7

"You are an illustrator? I have an idea for a children's book. We should collaborate!"

23points

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#8

"Oh, you're a geologist? What kind of rock is this?"

CarbineFox Report

22points

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#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.'"

Cyrus-187 Report

22points

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#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."

KalosKaghatoss Report

22points

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#11

"Oh, you test video games? So I got stuck on this part of 'Barbie's Horse Adventures.'"

22points

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#12

"Oh, you studied psychology? Then I'll have to watch what I'm thinking, as you can read my mind."

21points

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#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?"

Rand_alThor_ Report

20points

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#14

"Oh, you are a comedian? Tell me a joke."

One - Mirror replied: "You!"

SolumNox Report

19points

#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."

19points

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#16

"You work in a restaurant? How about treating me to dinner sometime?"

NoisyNatalie Report

18points

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#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."

keithwaits Report

17points

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#18

"Oh, you are an artist? Draw me for free!"

drawingmentally Report

17points

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#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."

reddit.com Report

16points

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#20

"Oh, you’re a programmer? So you can like, hack Facebook right?"

DerpSidgueye Report

16points

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#21

"I'm an airport baggage handler."

How much is a ticket from Walla Walla to Dubai?'"

Erikopolis Report

16points

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#22

"Oh, you’re a therapist?" [Tells me about their family member who really needs to see a therapist].

Conscious_Tea Report

15points

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#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."

biscuitboy89 Report

15points

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#24

"Oh, you're a programmer? I have an idea for a cool app!"

lowleveldata Report

15points

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#25

"Oh, you’re an architect? Can you draw up this house I designed in AutoCAD?"

15points

#26

"Oh, you're a photographer, can you take pictures for my wedding/birthday/Christmas?"

labbykun Report

15points

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#27

"Oh, so you're a statistician? Name every statistic."

reddit.com Report

14points

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#28

"Oh, you’re a firefighter? Do you actually go to work?"

reddit.com Report

14points

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#29

"Oh, you're a psychologist, can you chat with my kid and see if he is depressed."

Lethal_bizzle94 Report

14points

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#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."

Frequent-External-71 Report

14points

#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?"

AggieChristie Report

14points

#32

"Oh, you're an animator? Can you recreate the Mona Lisa?"

TaterThotsandRavioli Report

14points

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#33

"Oh, you teach astronomy? What’s your sign?"

usagiuraga Report

14points

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#34

"Oh, you’re a teacher - must be nice to have the summer off."

BonusDad75 Report

14points

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#35

"Oh, you're an actor? Act, right now!"

14points

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#36

"Oh, you're an electrical engineer, can you wire my garage?"

McDougal_Scarborough Report

13points

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#37

"Oh, you're a chemical analyst? You must know how to make drugs."

Absolute_Predator Report

13points

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#38

"Oh, you're a food scientist? Can you make me a non-nutritive cereal varnish?"

let-them-eat-braiins Report

13points

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#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]."

New_Game_P1us Report

12points

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#40

"Oh, you studied linguistics? What does this word mean?"

Cedar_Cove Report

12points

#41

"Oh, you work in social media? How do I blow up my Instagram/Youtube?"

DrPCox85 Report

12points

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#42

"Oh, you work as a social media analyst? Can you check why I don't get many likes or comments on my photos?"

kimbokjoke Report

11points

#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."

summerwritingcat Report

11points

#44

"Oh, you're travel agent, when is covid going to end?"

Askanner Report

11points

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#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."

cinnderly Report

11points

#46

"Oh, you make lasers? Can you make me a lightsaber?"

dave_the_wave2015 Report

11points

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#47

"Oh, you're an epidemiologist? All this COVID stuff is a bit over the top, right?"

schmuckfut Report

11points

#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."

11points

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#49

"I'm a dog trainer. Everyone immediately tells me about what their dog is doing wrong and asks for tips."

peachsnails Report

11points

#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?"

madfiire Report

11points

#51

"Oh, you're a programmer? I have a problem with my printer..."

parliboy Report

11points

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#52

"Oh, you're a truck driver? Can you come to tell me what's wrong with my car?"

10points

#53

"Oh, you work in wine retail? Should I buy 'Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon?'"

10points

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#54

"Oh, you work with dogs? My dog has this spot/cough/keeps itching/always barking/constant eye boogers/drools a lot/etc..."

Vintage_Senik9 Report

10points

#55

"Oh you’re an occupational therapist? Can you help me find a job?"

Funke-munke Report

9points

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#56

"Oh, you're a mechanical engineer, can you fix my car?"

MHRolley Report

9points

#57

"Oh, you're a writer? Can you help with this very important legal letter?"

KittikatB Report

9points

#58

"Oh, you write fantasy? Come up with something interesting!"

Had this amazing social interaction 2 days ago.

Toxic_and_Edgy Report

9points

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#59

"Oh, you're a musician, play that one that goes, 'bun dum dum bun dum donn bom.'"

bigEchees Report

9points

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#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?"

waffleswithsprouts Report

9points

#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?"

9points

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#62

"Oh, you're an archivist... what is an archivist?"

Nervous_Peace_337 Report

9points

#63

"You're astrophysicists? Cool, I'm a Leo and also have an interest in astrology and horoscopes."

that_outdoor_chick Report

9points

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#64

"Oh, you work with museums? I am a young artist with zero experience, how do I make an exhibit?

rose_000 Report

9points

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#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."

The_Chickenmaster Report

9points

#66

"Oh, you’re a claims adjuster? How do I get cheaper insurance?"

GATh33Gr8 Report

9points

#67

"Oh, you're a scientist? Why are you guys hiding the cure to cancer/Covid?!"

scream_schleam Report

9points

#68

"Oh, you’re a scientist? What medicine should I take for this condition?"

9points

#69

"Athletic trainer? What gym do you work at/can you write me a workout plan?"

TheDirtyPilot Report

9points

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#70

"Oh, you’re a chef? So what's the deal with risotto?"

Meccio85 Report

9points

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#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?"

Theartofdodging Report

8points

#72

"Oh, you're a software engineer? Can you fix my mobile?"

8points

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#73

"Oh, you make quilts? Can you make me a shirt, hem my jeans, sew on a patch..."

RyeDoll13 Report

8points

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College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

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#74

"Oh, you're a game developer? Can you finish this chapter of this game?"

ParsleyJam Report

8points

#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."

InfiniteArrival Report

8points

#76

"Oh, you're an engineer? Can you assemble all those IKEA furnitures?"

8points

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#77

"Oh, you work at an aquarium? This thing is wrong with my animal..."

FearlessBookworm3 Report

7points

#78

"Oh, you’re a gardener? Why I even can't keep my cactus alive?"

Extreme_Seaweed5214 Report

7points

#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."

MelpomeneLee Report

6points

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#80

"Oh, you’re a voice actor? Do X character’s voice!"

P0tentialAH Report

6points

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Žydrūnė Trukanavičiūtė

Hi! I'm the visual editor at Bored Panda, spicing up articles on Gardening, Home & Design. Guess what I daydream about? A future home with a huge garden, filled with all kinds of veggies and flowers. Sounds like the perfect match, doesn't it?

Hi! I'm the visual editor at Bored Panda, spicing up articles on Gardening, Home & Design. Guess what I daydream about? A future home with a huge garden, filled with all kinds of veggies and flowers. Sounds like the perfect match, doesn't it?

Marisha Kazaryan

I knew I wanted to be a storyteller ever since I learned to read and write. Fulfilled this dream when I became a content creator and a filmmaker. Also got a degree in English language and literature because grammar is important! Good coffee and good music make everything better. When I’m not telling stories, you’ll find me studying foreign languages (currently, Korean), fangirling over my guinea pig Pepperboy, watching TV shows, and learning to play the drums.

I knew I wanted to be a storyteller ever since I learned to read and write. Fulfilled this dream when I became a content creator and a filmmaker. Also got a degree in English language and literature because grammar is important! Good coffee and good music make everything better. When I’m not telling stories, you’ll find me studying foreign languages (currently, Korean), fangirling over my guinea pig Pepperboy, watching TV shows, and learning to play the drums.

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."

2points

Dekker451 1 year ago

Mostly people just looking to get something for free.

0points

PattyK 1 year ago

Oh, you studied trigonometry? “Say something in trigonom.” (Ken Kesey, “Sometimes a Great Notion.”)

0points

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."

2points

Dekker451 1 year ago

Mostly people just looking to get something for free.

0points

PattyK 1 year ago

Oh, you studied trigonometry? “Say something in trigonom.” (Ken Kesey, “Sometimes a Great Notion.”)

0points

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