Read that 67% of people can't explain what they actually do for work in one sentence

Saw this stat from some career site and it hit me hard. Last week at a barbecue in Austin I tried to tell someone what I do and it came out as like a 3 minute ramble about spreadsheets and calls. They just nodded. Made me wonder if being clear about your job actually helps you get better clients or if everyone just gives up and says I'm in tech.

3 comments

3 Comments

gracej998d agoMost Upvoted

Wait is 67% of people just me with the barbecue guy? I can't tell you how many times I've stood there while someone's eyes glaze over as I try to explain what I do. It's like you have to pick between "I push people's limits for a living" or just lying and saying "I coach athletes." Neither one sounds right. The truth is nobody actually wants the real answer. They want a two word label so they can move on to talking about themselves. So I just say "personal trainer" now and let them fill in the blanks. Saves everyone the headache.

garcia.wren8d ago

Totally feel this. I do something similar with my own job now, just give people the boring two word version so we can both move on. It's way less awkward than watching them try to politely nod along.

the_john8d ago

Frame it around what you actually solve for people, not the daily grind of how you do it. I started saying "I help athletes get back on the field after big injuries" instead of listing all the exercises and evaluations, and suddenly people actually get it. Pick the one biggest problem you fix and lead with that, you can always add more details if they ask.