This is an all-too-common question, which any decent podcaster or self-help author would tell you not to ask.

But as hard as I try, sometimes I just blurt it out. I’m curious about what a person spends their days doing, and that’s the quickest way to get a straight answer. A boring one usually, but an answer, nevertheless.

It’s lazy though.

I’m trying to rather ask, “What is your story? Or how do you like to spend your days? “

I sometimes get a quick-fire joke as a response, which signals that the person can’t comfortably explain what they do, or what they’re interested in – at least not succinctly.

I know this, because I can’t either.

In my quest to adapt my career path – I’ve had to take the time to consider how I will answer this question. In the process, it’s helped me to clarify what I want it to say, and whether that sits well with me.

I found a Ted Talk by Rebecca Okamoto extremely helpful. She talks about specific ways you can make an impression by introducing yourself to someone in less than twenty words. Very helpful in interviews, networking and various other work-related scenarios.

I’ve also found it helpful to explain to friends or acquaintances who asked about what I’m doing when I haven’t been working.

Instead of my answer being specifically career based, I’ve used a non-career focused option relating more to passion, strength or mission.

This has led me to my introduction, or my personal mission statement:

“I’m on a journey to adapt my career – to lead a more balanced life and help others do the same”

This is a simple, clean way I’ve found to explain the messiness of transition.

For the first time in a long while, it feels more authentic when someone asks me about what I do or how I spend my time.