On the Question, "What Do You Do?"
Today's essay tackles the age old question "what do you do?" and how to navigate answering as a young professional and/or multipotentialite.
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I was out to some social events this weekend and one question remained constant in all conversations that were held.
“So… what do you do?” is a question that has plagued my waking adult life because it will always come up in conversation while networking, whether the context be causal or professional.
It’s a fair question because it can enlighten someone on your innermost passions and purpose during this lifetime. Most times when I hear it though, I interpret it as “let me assess what you do to see whether you will be valuable for me to invest time into” which again, is a fair assessment.
Let’s redirect shortly. If you are working actively in your passion, whether monetized or not, you should be proud of yourself. Take pride in the fact that you taking initiative and are actively pursuing your heart calling. Hold on to it, I wish that your vision goes untarnished, even when downfalls are plentiful - that if you are granted a divine vision there is a reason and a satisfactory end in sight. I, on the other hand, do not have a singular vision for what it is I want to do. I have many equal passions and loves that would require multiple lifetimes for me to master.
I will be vulnerable here and say that I’m breaking down walls of limiting beliefs and silencing a harsh inner critic that was deeply programmed in my mind, against my own will. I now as a working, functioning adult in society, have to dismantle harmful thoughtforms, while also working to provide for myself and carve my path. I know many people relate to this as well, hopefully at less severity.
So whenever someone asks me “What do you do?”, it can be triggering for me, especially when the question turns into “What is it that you actually want to do?”, leaving the crutch of me relying on answering with my current job position.
How do I approach this? Just list off all my niche interests in the hope that I impact the person I’m talking to? It is difficult to actively try to figure out your entire life in a matter of a 5-minute conversation. When you do “everything” or have a wide array of interests, it seems unfocused, that there is not a congruent path, which I find most people are confused by and don’t like. Knowing what you do constitutes knowing who you are (in reality, it does NOT, AT ALL). It’s worse when you have a robust answer for your passions, but nothing tangible to show for it.
The real power lies in trusting yourself and not allowing the reactions or feelings of others to get in your way. Not being affected by labels or what everyone else subscribes to. Explore what’s in your purview, and commit as much time and effort as you feel fit. It’s easier said than done, but with practice and experience it gets easier. No matter what age you are, it’s okay to not have everything ‘figured out’. In reality, no one has life figured out and once you feel like you do, something else will change - causing you to readjust your plan. Give yourself grace and allow life to unfold, bringing you all the beauty that life, and diversity of experience have to offer. Human life is so nonsensical, and we exist solely because we do. No less, but this can mean more.
I found the term “multipotentiality” on social media and finally felt seen. Shoutout to Creative Hackers for speaking on this and ways to embrace all your passions to construct a path.
One of my favorite examples of multipotentiality is David Bowie. Bowie willed a singular avenue that fused all his passions, the catalyst which was music. Music gave him access to the industries of fashion, film, theatre, painting, and art collecting. From there, he furthered his path as a creative genius.
David Bowie released multiple music projects and singles that all flopped and barely charted at the time of their release. His persistence, growth, and dedication to his craft allotted him a legacy that impacts those across generations.
Creative Hackers has written about the multipotentiality of Andy Warhol, NYC artist royalty. I recommend reading this piece for those who resonate with the term ‘multi-potentialite’. I found that I related to many struggles Andy Warhol faced, but realized once Warhol found his groove and began to trust in himself, he soared. Say what you want about Warhol and his history may not proceed him but he is an enigmatic artist and a cultural stamp on artistry.
Let’s return to the topic at hand, the question ‘what do you do?’
There is a multitude of ways to answer this question. A practice I like is the ‘elevator pitch’ which asks - if you were in an elevator with someone whom you wanted to introduce yourself to important and only had 30 seconds to introduce yourself what would you say? This is one of the best ways to market yourself.
If I were to do one:
’I’m a multipotential creative and professional, with a wide array of media experience, and a passion for fashion, writing, music, and spirituality. I am looking to expand my career into roles that allow me more creative freedom and responsibility, as well as develop my artistry as a musician, vocalist, and dancer. All in all, I devote myself to becoming the best person possible so I can help my community and the world, plus inspire others to do the same.'
This is an example that I made on the spot, but the elevator pitch is an art. Construct one and practice it often, you never know when the opportunity will present itself for you to impress the right person.
Some other answers that I find suitable:
Explaining your career title and work, especially if you’re one of those people whose job is a large part of their life and worth. Easy answer.
Be vulnerable. Discuss your character traits, your strengths, and your flaws. “I dream largely and put them into action.” “I traverse and overcome the mountain of sabotage existing within me and continue to challenge myself regularly.”
Be abstract. Especially for my writers and deep thinkers, I love an abstract answer, but this may not be as popular in a corporate setting. “I move through the world a lost soul, traveling to discover my life’s purpose and completing side quests along the way.”
Be silly! Show some personality and address the answer in a way only you can. “I’m the supreme overlord of my newsletter L’Assemblage, and share with my patrons my opinions and lifestyle as an ethereal being moving through New York City.”
How do you feel about this question? How do you normally answer and what are your go-to ways to market and promote yourself? Leave it in the comments and let’s have a conversation. As always, much love and see you next time.
Assembly dismissed.
Loved this one a lot. Transparently, “what do you do” and “where do you live” used to really get to me. I’ve learned that answering “what do you do” used to bother me because once I had the job I wanted, I found a reason not to like it. So the question, felt like someone mocking me. For “where do you live,” I thought it was nosey. I thought it was a way of you sizing someone up. Now, with both, I’m learning rarely do people our age like answering those questions themselves. So it’s used to fill up space/conversation. I’m also learning to answer the initial question with not only my job, but with the things I do outside of work like my newsletter and organizations I volunteer at. Can’t wait for the next one!
supreme overlord took me out but period ! i’m into being abstract. i feel we should stop asking people what they do at parties bc honestly idc lmfao. i feel like it’s so lame to talk about work at a party like let’s dance!!!