Discuss work with grace

Instead of asking outright, “What do you do?” ask “How do you spend most of your time?”
This allows everyone to answer, no matter their profession or current job status.

If you are asked the same question, before responding, ask yourself, “What possible interest could this person have in my answer?
Let a different true story about your professional life roll off your tongue for each listener. Think about whether this person could refer business to you, buy from you, hire you, become your friend, etc.