[Rose3]

When people (who I do not know) start asking me personal
questions about my reason for returning to a specific career,
what can I say in response? I do not wish to discuss my
reasons with them. I do not wish to discuss the topic at all
with them. Yet, I have found myself trapped with these
people in the break room. They start asking and I have to
come up with an answer.
What could I say that would be positive, yet so vague that
they'll probably miss the point anyway?
I have no reason to want to discuss my personal reasons or any
aspect of my life with a bunch of strangers.
I could say: "the need is there for people to go into this field"
or "hoping for job security (although that doesn't exist)".
What else could I say?

[Catherine2]

Rose,
I like your "there is a need for people...perhaps you could add "and I feel I can do a good job/well suited for it.
Jme, but when people ask questions that I feel are too personal I will state calmly it was a well thought out decision, I'm looking forward to it...things along this line.

In all honesty, though, if I feel they are pressuring me/not listening to me, then I will tell them it is a personal matter and it's not open for discussion...then I change the subject.
I have a few things I use to change the subject...if the weather is crazy, I mention it. Or something about a TV show or a movie, did they see it, how did they like it.
Basically a simple way of directing their attention to something else.

Your privacy is important and should be honored by others.
Jmo, of course.

Catherine

[ECHOES]

You can turn the tables and say that you are curious about their interest in your reasons.

It's good to have one reply to offer no matter how many times the question is asked, such as "This is what I want to do at this time."
"But why?!", the other asks... same reply: "This is what I want to do at this time."
By repeating the answer, you are also closing the discussion on the subject.

After repeated questions, you can say with a smile that you've said all that you want to say about it.

[Junerain]

You could joke, I am only doing this until I meet a rich, gorgeous, man....that is my first & foremost plan!!