Quote:
Originally Posted by lizardlady
I don't know about the rest of the world, but in the States asking someone what they do is a way of opening conversation. As someone else said, it's an icebreaker. I don't think people ask to be nosy or offensive. They are just trying to start a conversation. I can see that answering the question might be awkward though if you don't work. I like the idea of giving a non-comittal kind of answer then getting the person to talk about themself.
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I agree. We make suppositions based on what type of work a person does. Our work can define our interests and our education level. In response to what to say, honesty is the best policy. I'd say what type of work I used to do and say I haven't been able to do that since I ____. If you are disabled due to a "mental illness", say a brain disorder. That will stop people in their tracks! Then, if they get nosey, you can say you'd rather not talk about it. You can always add that you hope to be able to return to work once you are better. We don't need to disclose any personal information to someone just because they ask.