Stereotypes and misconceptions associated with your job/career

[Anonymous]

I work for a big retail company in upper level HR management. It is pretty boring. When I tell people where I work, they either think I am a salesperson and dismiss me as beneath them or they think it must be really exciting to be around fashion.

[Anonymous]

I'm an "Executive Admin Asst" . People think this means I'm uneducated. In reality, I hold a B.A. and am very smart.

[Anonymous]

I'm a librarian. Many people don't understand why someone would need a master's degree to become a librarian. Most people think I check out books for a living or only need to know the Dewey Decimal System to do my job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an "Executive Admin Asst" . People think this means I'm uneducated. In reality, I hold a B.A. and am very smart.

Me too. In my case, people assume I'm doing this because I'm not ambitious, which they might actually be right about. But there are people in my position who are my age (30) who are plenty ambitious and think this is a great job.

And I totally own the fact that I'm on DCUM right now. Both of the people I work for are in Europe.

[Anonymous]

When I tell people where I work, they always say they've heard it's wonderful, and they used to know somebody who worked here once, and how hard it is to get in here. They're so wrong, management drives us like slaves and pays us much less than we're worth, presumably because our organization has a reputation for being so "wonderful." I've been talking with other employers and will probably be leaving in March....

I wish I could say where I work. As it is, it just looks like I'm venting. I guess I am.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an "Executive Admin Asst" . People think this means I'm uneducated. In reality, I hold a B.A. and am very smart.

I'm also an admin. Ditto on the perception that I'm uneducated, incapable of something "better". I also have a degree, know WAY more about lots of practical things than many of my higher-ups, and am definitely more well-rounded. I like the hours and find satisfaction in a job well done. And I like that my job CAN be "done". Others seem to be scrambling and constantly behind in their work. That would make me crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a librarian. Many people don't understand why someone would need a master's degree to become a librarian. Most people think I check out books for a living or only need to know the Dewey Decimal System to do my job.

You beat me to it. You also forgot about shushing people And when you aren't checking out books, you have a lot of 'free time' to read on the job. I wish...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a lawyer. People think I'm anal, OCD and have difficulty relaxing. Oh wait........

*giggle*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny - uneducated and unambitious

Yup. People assume I didn't go to college or didn't finish, unambitious, lazy. Even other nannies try to convince me to go to school. I just nod politely.

[Anonymous]

Software developer. People think I know everything about computers and that I am a nerd. Oh wait, I am a nerd. I am also female and American which shocks people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:doctor - ppl think i'm RICH.

Another doctor here - drives me crazy!!! We are not all orthopedic surgeons!

[Anonymous]

Lobbyist. People think I bribe govt officials. And eat out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lobbyist. People think I bribe govt officials. And eat out.

Dude, when I worked for a senator in college lobbyist ate out a LOT. They were like professional mail planners. I'm just sayin....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I tell people where I work, they always say they've heard it's wonderful, and they used to know somebody who worked here once, and how hard it is to get in here. They're so wrong, management drives us like slaves and pays us much less than we're worth, presumably because our organization has a reputation for being so "wonderful." I've been talking with other employers and will probably be leaving in March....

I wish I could say where I work. As it is, it just looks like I'm venting. I guess I am.

Marriott

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lobbyist. People think I bribe govt officials. And eat out.

Dude, when I worked for a senator in college lobbyist ate out a LOT. They were like professional mail planners. I'm just sayin....

*lobbyists.