I Lie About What I Do
I’ve had many jobs in my career.
. Belt Buckle Designer
2. Convenience Store Attendant
3. Foreman of an Office Cleaning Crew
4. Insurance Salesman
5. …
I’ve done none of the above, but I’ve told people I have.
The truth? I’m a programmer. I’ve been one since 1975.
Why do I do it?
My wife is a professional with an MBA.
I’m white trash, descended from a long line of Hillbillies. I’m an INTP, socially awkward, and charismaless. It’s the hand I was dealt.
I’m often called upon to escort my wife to events where there are a lot of people with social skills and pedigrees — people who know how to small-talk. I do not like to small-talk. I find a wall to stand in front of and watch my wife being social, hoping no one sees me.
There’s always ‘that guy’ (or girl) who approaches me. Who am I? Who am I with? What do I do for a living? (It’s America. You always get that question as an opener.)
In the 70s, I’d answer computer programmer. There weren’t as many of us back then. The question asker often couldn’t find common ground to talk about with that reply, and they’d drift away quickly. There’d…
