This has always been an innocent habit of mine. I never thought of it any other way until one girl I worked with told me that it was rude to ask customers their occupation. She said it was basically a subtle way of asking how much $$$ he has. Which I don't agree with at all.
1) I think it's a great conversation starter
2)He obviously knows what you do, so why shouldn't you vice versa?
3) Careers are a huge part of peoples lives...if you don't know what they do, than you don't know much about them at all.
4)Some jobs you make a million, while others with the same job are flat broke...not they would be if they're in a club, but you never now with the crazies these days.
I personally like to learn about people, like how they got started, how they became successful. That's mainly why I ask. I find a lot of peoples stories really inspiring. Sure, my job is fun now...but won't be able to do this forever.
I would never intentionally insult a customer. Actually every time I ask their occupation they don't seem uncomforatable talking about it at all.
So what do you think? Is it rude to ask?



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