I am asked this question (very) often (in the States.)

And my answer depends on where I am.

When I’m in the States, I give my current occupation in addition to what degrees I have to support said occupation.

However, when I’m abroad, I respond with whatever it is that I have taken an interest in.  Recently while the husband and I were in Madrid, when I was asked (always by Americans) “what do you do?” I gleefully noted that I was a WSET Level II candidate.  I would then begin to discuss the world of wine with such passion that it would have been awkward for them to ask “no, what do you REALLY do.”

I would have NEVER responded with such an answer at “home.”

I’m uncertain if the career/life status revolving responses are cultural or gender based.

Un autre example. 

If you ask most (American) women “tell me about about yourself” they would typically begin with:

“I’m a wife and/or mom of (insert offspring denomination.)  

I have never heard a man or European (woman) reply as such.

Why are we so externally based?

Why is what we “do” so closely correlated to careers or marital status?

What did you do before becoming a wife, or a mom?

I’m intentionally leaving this post extremely short, because I’d truly love to begin a conversation.

How do you respond when asked “what do you do?” Or “Tell me about yourself.”

I am challenging myself and you too, to respond to that question with an answer that is wholly focused on YOU.

Here’s my first attempt:

Bonjour! Je suis Jessie, a personal style advisor, blogger, vino et cappuccino connoisseur. 

What do you do?

Tell me about yourself “in the comments below.” PS, #jujuthecamerakid taught me that!

To keep the dialogue going, dont forget to check the “notify me of comments via email” box.

Ciao for now 💋