IF someone asks you, “What do you do?” how do you answer? Do you define who you are with what job you have or what you do for income? Most will answer with their profession or what they are currently doing to make money. I am a trucker, doctor, teacher, banker, or I work at Sears, What-a-burger, or wherever.
Although, there is identity in profession, profession still does not define an individual – it is not true identity. We have become a society of assigning and placing value on profession (or income source) rather than individuality. There are professions that have such a stigma or reputation that there are jokes and preconceived ideas of personality. For example, a CPA or accountant… you may smile or even laugh out-loud when you think of those you know who are CPA’s but believe it or not, I know some with fun fantastic personalities. Or the concept of the “starving artist.” Those with a passion for art are disvalued as being able to take care of themselves. Or a used car salesman, a swindler, saying whatever it takes to make the sale. How about a banker, starchy and stiff, or believing a rancher or farmer have limited education? I could go on and on. All these stigmas are wrong and unfair – and for the most part, untrue.
As you go through your day, consider what you do, who you are, and how what you do defines who you are, or does it? Within the same question scenarios, what do you want to be known for? If someone were to write your epitaph, what would you want to be known for? What legacy would you leave behind? What three words would you want engraved on your tombstone? Be careful when you ask someone what they do?
When people ask me what I do, my response is — “I drink coffee and hang out.” My world is about helping people understand themselves at a new level – and that happens over conversation and relationship development – so … we hang out and drink coffee. 🙂
Be First to Comment