Yes...when they are just trying to make conversation...they don't really. Agreed...they are just being polite. But, when new neighbors, the family of someone you are seriously dating...the nosy circle of mom's at your children's school ask...well, they are digging. Some parts of getting older are lousy but, no one really caring so much any more is a perk. I still get that knot and, try to glaze right over it or, ask what they do and, appear fascinated so the topic switches to them.

Yes, those situations are tougher for sure.

I agree that most people probably don’t care these days in 2019. In fact some might think it’s cool to meet someone who’s a pro dominatrix as it not someone you bump into everyday.

A curious person would ask "what field do you consult in?" I'm a consultant of sorts, too, and sometimes I feel like I'd like to beat my clients to a pulp, but usually I just solve their problems or tell them how much it will cost and they go away. . . . But then, I guess that's what all consultants do, even you in your field.

Mistress Ayn,

Should "digital consultant" ever begin to fail, you could claim to be an HR consultant "specializing in motivation and culture enhancement resulting in improved staff efficiency".

I know you can "motivate" individuals to change behavior and perform far beyond their own expectations!

(you could say it with a straight face too!)

The best to shut someone up when they are being too nosey about your job is to say you are an investigator for the IRS.

Not a bad answer at all soapy!

If someone is foolish enough to persist you could scare them further by saying that you are part of a new division that goes after smaller, non-corporate violators.

Good one soapy! When I am in DC and some nosey guy at the bar won't let it go, I deadpan, "I could tell you but then I would have to kill you." Then I wait a heartbeat before winking and returning to My meal or drink. They sputter (probably thinking about being in the heart of the swamp and surrounded by alphabet city) and then drop it. It's hilarious. I might try IRS next time . . .

Being seen as a 'character' rather than a person is certainly an experience I have had when being open about work. This can be either good or bad, depending on who is asking and how much I care about the relationship. I don't love talking about myself in social situations, so I have definitely used the title of Dominatrix to preemptively deflect questions of a more personal nature. Then of course comes, "what's the weirdest/craziest thing that's happened to you," which is definitely my least favorite question. How rude; this could dig up trauma for some!