What do you say when asked about your occupation?

[KingofKeys]

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were discussing "life after graduation". Only a handful of people (mostly family) know that I want to join the CF after graduation. I figured - since we were already on the topic of our future - I should share my CF plans with my friend. To my shock, he was rather... let me try to find the right word... rather disgusted  ???

I never gave it much thought after, but today I ended up having the same conversation with someone on the TTC. However, I decided not to tell them about my CF plans because I just don't need their approval/empathy/feedback (or whatever you want to call it). At the same time, I felt rather guilty about not being "proud" of what I want to do.

So, long story short, how do you respond when people ask you "what do you want to do?"/"what do you do for a living?"

I know some people just say "I work for the government" if they don't know the other person well enough (which seems absurd to me). But what do you do? Do you immediately share your occupation (obviously, if the question was asked) with a person you don't know well enough? Good experiences/bad experiences/comments... shoot!

 

[Oh No a Canadian]

There was a thread on this a few months ago, one of the first few posters said that he kills (or was it eats) babies as a joke and derailed the tread for the most part. I'll try and dig it up.

Here it is, a few good answers. General consensus was that you should explain what you actually do.

link removed to follow George's advice

 

[aesop081]

"What do you do for a living?" is a simple question......

A math teacher would answer "i am a math teacher" right ? So why are you complicating things ?

"i'm in the military"

Its a question, not the opening salvo for a philosophical debate........

 

[George Wallace]

There was a thread on this a few months ago, one of the first few posters said that he kills (or was it eats) babies as a joke and derailed the tread for the most part. I'll try and dig it up.

Please don't.



Let this redundant question fade into the mists and die a death unnoticed by any others.

 

[OldSolduer]

I respond that I am in the CF and I work with the ill, injured, veterans and their families.

 

[GAP]

You're a soldier....if you are ashamed of calling yourself that, don't join.

 

[shiska]

I have had similar experiences to yours. I have always chosen to be honest about my career aspirations. I've gotten a few funny looks and "...you don't seem like the type" responses but everyone has been more or less supportive. Whenever I do meet someone who feels strongly opposed to my decision I try to open up discussion about their reasons. I've found that the only people who really feel opposed to the idea of military service are those who are simply uneducated in regards to the true nature of the CF or other armed forces (i.e. American). In my experience the naysayers all seem to hold the opinion that the forces are just a bunch of bloodthirsty killers. I simply explained my reasons for joining, corrected a number of their biased misconceptions and they accepted that they might be wrong in their judgments.

As long as you deal with any prejudice tactfully you shouldn't have any trouble explaining (and being proud of) your choice of profession. 

That being said, there have been numerous threads on this topic already.

 

[Edward Campbell]

I served in the CF in the dark days of the '60s, '70s and into the '80s (I retired in the '90s). We were often looked down upon, and even insulted, to our faces, on a few (rare) occasions. Whenever asked I always said "I'm in the Army" (The Army in which I served has a capital A!) Despite the, now and again, unfortunate reactions of a few civilians I was always proud to be a member of the Canadian Army and, later, the Canadian Forces. Now I am even more proud to be a Canadian because of the men and women who serve in the CF. If you cannot take pride in your service then stay away, please.

 

[KingofKeys]

Oh No a Canadian: haha, thanks for the link. Its rather disturbing at first   :blotto:

CDN Aviator: You are right, it is a simple question. However, keep in mind, I am not surrounded by people from a military background as you are. Things work a little differently for those of us who don't have a few years (many years in your case) of experience with the CF. Most of my current friends (including family) are very ill informed about what the CF actually does. 

GAP: I realize you meant that as a general statement since I never mentioned anything about being ashamed.

shiska: You took the words right out of my mouth when you said "I've found that the only people who really feel opposed to the idea of military service are those who are simply uneducated in regards to the true nature of the CF or other armed force"

E.R. : I was "looked down upon" by friends whom I've shared my plans with. But, like you, I am very much proud of what I want to do. Their opinions matter, but its my decision in the end. I choose to join the CF, and they'll just have to deal with it 

Jim Seggie: And you sir, have my utmost respect (as do everyone of you)

 

[George Wallace]

............. Most of my current friends (including family) are very ill informed about what the CF actually does.

As has been stated, that is the main problem with the majority of Canadians.  Explain what the CF is and does and what you do as a member of the CF to make those things happen.

 

[aesop081]

CDN Aviator: You are right, It is a simple question. However, keep in mind, I am not surrounded by people from a military background as you are. Things work a little differently for those of us who don't have a few years (many years in your case) of experience with the CF. Most of my current friends (including family) are very ill informed about what the CF actually does. 

A teacher with 3 days on the job would still say that hes a teacher. Hes not having a internal ying yang debate about wether or not they will say something about him being unionized/overpaid/underworked or whatever........Even when surrounded by plumbers, he will still say "i'm a teacher" so wether you have been in the CF for days or years, or wether you are surrounded by other CF members or not, the answer is still pretty clear.

 

[KingofKeys]

I guess, from a broader perspective, you are right.
Point taken.
What a pointless thread I've created  :-X

 

[Sapplicant]

It all boils down to whether or not you're willing to lie. If you're willing to lie, then you're probably also willing to remain a private your whole career, or worse, get booted altogether. From what I've been told by every person who's donned the uniform, they REALLY frigging hate liars.