Taking a flight may be a good way to take a break from work. However, it might not be the relaxation one is looking for when striking up a conversation. The first hurdle is how to answer the question, “What do you do for a living?” Revealing one’s gynaecologic occupation might open one up to intimate and familial questions that might be difficult to tackle and involve elaborate explanations. Some might even expect treatment on the spot.
Disclosing the line of work can also leave one vulnerable to legal and ethical considerations such as confidentiality issues. To avoid such situations, one might filter the truth about one’s work. Saying things like “I run a non-profit association” or “I’m a sociologist’ is an effective conversation-ender. Being a professional, and thinking myself as a decent human being, I feel that I should be truthful about what I do.
I personally have no such conflict. I feel that I should not have to hide my professional identity. Thus, I have no hesitation in revealing the proud and honourable nature of my trade. However, I think the most important motivation in this revelation may be the extra attention, peanuts and drinks from the stewardesses!
Motivated by an article by Liz Galzt in The New York Times 27 September 2010.
