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What do you say when people ask who you work for?

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siucavflight

Back from the forsaken
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Posts
3,512
Just curious how you handle this question, whether it is on the road at the FBO or someone else that you do not know that well.
I had to sign a pretty serious non-disclosure contract, as the person I work for is pretty well known, and I feel like a jerk, or someone who is trying to seem important when someone asks me who my boss is, and I have to respond with "I cant really tell you." Just wondering what you guys do to handle this question.
 
And that always seems to be followed up by, "who is it"
 
I hate this question. I usually just say what type of company I work for. Usually the vague nature of the answer tips people off not to ask many more questions. That having been said, our aircraft are painted kind of conspicuously and the registration is pretty easy to figure out given the slightest bit of awareness. So I don't know why I care, since the company (against the department's suggestions) virtually made flying billboards out of us. Habit, I guess.
 
I say it's a shipping company. People don't ask too many questions when they don't think it's anyone famous.
 
I say it's a shipping company. People don't ask too many questions when they don't think it's anyone famous.

Agreed. I just say it's a construction company and they don't ask anymore questions. Of course my passengers don't look that interesting either.
 
Don't say anything stare back at them with a confused look on your face.
 
Just curious how you handle this question, whether it is on the road at the FBO or someone else that you do not know that well.
I had to sign a pretty serious non-disclosure contract, as the person I work for is pretty well known, and I feel like a jerk, or someone who is trying to seem important when someone asks me who my boss is, and I have to respond with "I cant really tell you." Just wondering what you guys do to handle this question.

A simple way to deflect the question is to respond "A private individual."

You're not being a jerk by refusing to answer; you have an obligation to live up to the agreements you have made.

Some find it easier to have a cover which downplays what they do. It's a lot easier to reply with a boring answer, such as "Walter Potato Chip Company," than to try to explain why you can't tell them what they're asking, why they don't have a right to know, or even why it's impolite to ask in the first place.

A reply which satisfies, but gives no rise to curiosity, is best. When you tell them you fly for a small town newspaper, or for a company that makes soap, the expected reply should be "oh."

That's the reply you want.

Another approach is to return the interest to the asking party. "I fly the airplane out there for Klamath Soap; we do the little hotel bars. I'm sure you've seen them. What do you do?" Then take interest in what the other person does, or guide the conversation to another topic. Problem solved.
 
Who do you work for: A Private Company
What do they do: Many things. Have a nice day.
 

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