“What’s A Misconception About Your Profession That You’re Tired Of Hearing?” (30 Answers)
There are few things as annoying as people who don’t actually have a clue sharing all sorts of information and facts about your specialty that are completely untrue. Normally, this is a burden academics have to bear, but it can be just as true for really any job.
Someone asked “What's a misconception about your profession that you're tired of hearing?” and professionals from across the internet shared their best examples. From some folks vastly underestimating how much work something takes to just downright lies, get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and share your thoughts and examples in the comments section below.
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I’m a support worker for adults with complex learning and physical disabilities have been for 7 years now - no u don’t just “wipe bums for a living”.
I keep them alive and happy, giving them a quality of life filled with as much independence and choice as they can have. I treat them with dignity and respect while yes at times supporting them with personal care because guess what? They can’t do it! So someone has to, it’s such a tiny part of my job and the least bit interesting.
Hardly anyone hears about the love and patience, acceptance and humility the people I support teach me and give me every day.
“Teachers are brainwashing and indoctrinating our kids!”
Bruh I can barely get these adorable little b@stards to bring a damn pencil to class 🤣 I’m flattered you think I have that much power but I can assure you I do not.
I'm a long time caregiver to mother who lives with dementia. For some reason, people don't consider it "work". That includes doctors. I'm on call 24/7. I can't leave for long periods of time. My own health went to s**t. Geriatric care costs are astronomical. Yet, all people hear is "You're not working." .
My MIL has dementia. At first we were trying to provide in home care for her. It took the whole family (6 people) on a roster to maintain 24/7 care for her including 24/7 supervision, all meals, shopping, personal care, medical appointments, home cleaning etc etc. It's really hard. We managed to do this for three years until her needs escalated and we eventually had to put her in special dementia care home.
Janitor/custodian. Any service job, really.
No, not everybody who works those jobs is dumb with no prospects/ambitions. Things happen in life, be it health issues, personal/family issues. I never understood how someone seeing another person working a job like that can look down on them and treat them like dirt.
A separate pet peeve is "i dont feel like putting this item back where it belongs" or "ill just make this mess and not clean it up" because it's "somebody else's job" or "im just letting them *earn* their paycheck!". No, you're an a*****e.
To end this on a positive note though, as someone who's had a lot of these types of jobs, being polite, saying "thank you" and being respectful to any service/retail/restaurant worker(or, anyone really) are simple things that don't take much effort and can brighten up someone's day.
I was taught when becoming a teacher that the custodian is your best friend. Respect and recognition of this very important person makes your work way easier.
Unemployed disabled. We want to work, but nobody will let us. Then they turn around and call us lazy parasites.
As someone on disability, this is very true. I spent years looking for a job, only to be rejected or get no response. These were entry-level retail jobs, too
Tech support. We didn't start out angry..
1. Turn it off, then turn it on again. No, we're not lazy that really does solve a majority of problems. And no, shutting off your monitor is not shutting down your computer.
2. When we ask you if it's plugged in, follow the cord all the way from your computer to the wall.
3. If the computer gives you a message with an error code, WRITE IT DOWN OR TAKE A SCREENSHOT.
4. Describe the problem, but only what is necessary. I don't care why you were emailing your aunt. I do care about the message that popped up when you clicked Send.
5. If I come to look at your computer, get out of the way. No, I cannot fix anything if you are sitting in your chair in front of your computer.
6. Printer problem? Take it out back and shoot it. I would rather work on anything else before printer problems.
'I don't care why you were emailing your aunt' - LOL, I know people who would find it necessary to tell Tech this :D :D
I work for a plumbing retailer. Same deal. I don't care when your house was built. I don't care why you're remodeling your bathroom. I just want to know what bathtub you want.
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As someone who had his fair share of tech support: Do not ask for the state of things, let the caller interact with it! "Is the cord plugged in?" results in " I'm not stupid!" at least half of the time. "Let's test the cord's plug. Please unplug it and then reconnect." doesn't suggest the not-stupid caller was stupid and if they were, it gave them an opportunity to easily hide the fact. Edit: spelling
Yep. Used to have (back in the early 80s) a pretty complex install procedure for our software. There was a really obvious error when they didn't do it right, but people would swear up and down they had done *exactly* what the manual said. I quickly learned to tell them "Sometimes it doesn't 'take' the first time, let's go through it again together." It always worked after that and they didn't have to feel stupid for not following instructions.
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My company has a few part-timers whose main function is to support the printers so the full-time techs can do their job.
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January 2013. The US Govt told users to stop using java due to a security hole. Sites were down everywhere. The internet really was broken, for a few days.
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In exchange, however, can tech people stop doing this one: Me: I have a Windows 11 Home PC with [update number] and $version of your software. I am having $problem on $browser so I've also tried it on $browser and $browser with the same result. Incognito browsing doesn't resolve the issue. My Windows 10 desktop with [updates] on $browser and $browser also replicates the issue. I use $firewall and $vpn but the issue persists with these active or inactive. I would now please like some support *4 working day wait* Tech: have you tried a different browser?
Try to write the email like it's a support ticket using bullet points if you can. I usually use this template. Initial error. Physical and then software configuration Research done. Troubleshooting attempts already made. Request for further troubleshooting steps. Works every time.
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I'm the IT guy at my workplace and i f*****g hate printers
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“My computer’s broken!” What’s it doing? “Nothing!” Ok what sound is nothing making? :p
Most of the time, it P.I.C.N.I.C. (Problem In Chair, Not In Computer). As for the printers, Office Space them.
That is GOLD! I have to share this with my team tomorrow, they're going to love it 🙌
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Having done tech support for 40 years this is pretty spot on. Forgot the "No we didn't change your password, you are literally typing in the wrong one". And no, you forgot to write it down the last time you changed it. How do I know this? Well, that's because no matter how much you insist it's the right one you are still typing in the wrong password.
I would add "Don't tell me what happens, show me." It's much easier to diagnose if the tech person sees what happens for themselves. It's also amazing how many times someone has gone to show me what wasn't working and magically, it works - but of course there is no possibility that they pushed the wrong buttons previously.
The thing where people think "the computer" is the screen is fascinating. I look at them and have to bite my tongue and not say "you aren't very observant are you?"
Re no 6. I used to think it was just my husband, but since joining bored panda I've come to understand that ALL tech support people hate printers!
5a. Sometimes we do need you sitting in front of the computer performing the action that caused the problem because no matter what we try we can't replicate it. 7. If we ask whether anything else has changed around the time the problem occurred, it means "did you install/remove any new hardware/software on the PC" not "Did you break up with your partner/got a new haircut/painted the house..."
Taking the printer out back and shoot it speaks directly to my soul.
I always start any tech support call with "I'm an engineer, I don't know how to fix my problem but you can speak tech and I will follow your instructions"
Yeah I don't know about taking it out back and shooting it as that actually happened when a gentleman took his device out back and shot it unfortunately he was charged with firing a weapon in city limits LOL the officer that gave him the ticket for firing the weapon in city limits had to have a photo taken with the man and the no longer living device
I work, as part of my role at a telco (internet, mobile) and I can tell when you've said you turned it off and on, and haven't because your system tells me. When I say turn it off for a full minute, do it. It helps register on my end, if anything changes! Don't just press the button for 2 seconds and tell me you reset it.
'6' reminds me of this one : Rage Against The Machine, they never specified which machine they were raging against, but I'll bet it was a printer.
Printer problems are def frustrating but in most cases really aren't all that difficult (i am a hardware tech)
It's not so much the hardware as it is the software. The number of times I've tried to print a document, nothing happens, then I try again, nothing happens, then I look at the print queue and there's two documents in there, then I clear the print queue and print the document again and it magically works is infuriating.
Load More Replies... This isnt a misconception. This is just you being b****y about your job.
Nope, it is in definitely a misconception. We want to help, but half the users out there are boneheads when it comes explaining their problem and/or following instructions. That is bound to make even the most patient person crack.
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Vegetable farmer. We get so many applicants wanting to "connect to the soil", yet have never touched a shovel before. So many people don't seem to understand that farming is manual labor with long hours and hardship every day. And It's all just to limp by. We aren't making much money.
I'm a handyman. None of those things that happen in those human mating ritual documentaries that you watch on the internet have ever happened to me.
“Human mating ritual documentaries“ is the best English phrase I’ve ever come across
As an electrician, the misconception that it’s not a skilled profession is frustrating. It requires rigorous training and adherence to safety standards.
I have mad respect for electricians; even if I know the safety measures necessary to try something on my own, I'm always afraid I'll either electrocute myself or f**k up in some other way.
Construction. No, I’m not looking to build your deck for a cheeseburger and a six pack of beer.
I’m a librarian, and people think we just read books all day. In reality, we manage databases, assist with research, and conduct community programs.
I am a librarian, and people think we literally just at our desk checking our/returning books for people. Hell, when I worked at a public library, I even got (separately) asked if we get paid, and if we get vacation. Bruh.
I'm an attorney.
A lot of people - maybe most people - have this bizarre idea that a court case turns on who has the better attorney.
As if we're wizards, hurling eldritch beams of light at one another until one of our minds snap and the empty husk slumps to the floor. The judge whispers a fey enchantment, his fingers curling in an unknown, arcane sign, and the victor is bathed in emerald light.
A bad attorney can absolutely sink your case, but once you reach a level of basic competence, the facts of the case are almost exclusively what drive victory or defeat.
I can make clever arguments all day, but if you beat the s**t out of an orphan to steal his Pokemon cards, my twisted magicks will not avail you.
Men working in kindergarten are p***philes. Good luck getting a male role model for your spawn before 5th grade. At least in Germany.
Software engineer here. No, we can't just "hack into anything" and no, we can't fix your printer. We're not tech support. We live in a world of code, not hardware.
As a veterinarian, I’m most certainly *not* in this for the money…
I also don’t magically know what is wrong with your dog/cat just by waving my magic stethoscope.
My brother, a pediatrician, often says it's a lot like veterinary medicine. The parents are anxious and scared and the patient often doesn't speak.
Hair stylist, if "anyone" could cut hair why did you all have terrible haircuts during Covid? You have to take into account the head shape, hair texture, cowlicks, deviation in hair color.
It's not easy and it's really hard on your body.
Musician: "you're lucky to be born with talent". I worked my whole life practicing every single day, invested so much money in great teachers and great gear to be able to do what I do for a living.
I remember reading about an interview with a famous golfer. He said people would often tell him they would do anything to be able to play as well as he did. He would say "No, you wouldn't. You wouldn't practice until your hands bleed, hour after hour, day after day, in all kinds of weather."
"Why do you need a dictionary? I thought you were a translator.".
Call center customer service agent (telecom). For the last 12 years I've had to hold the hand of thousands of customers through the phone. It's not an easy job. I have to remember the specs of all the new cellular devices, all the codes for our ancient DOS base AS400 system and above all that, I have to deal with people who have issues breathing and speaking at the same time. It's exhausting, at the end of the day my body is awake and ready but my mind is mush, oh and I do it in 2 languages.
Fire Sprinkler Designer here: Fire Sprinkler water IS NOT clean and clear like the movies depict...That water more than likely has been in those pipes for decades and is filled with corrosion and cutting oil. As soon as a sprinkler goes off, you are getting doused with black tar water...
I work in retail, and the misconception that it’s easy or a ‘fallback’ job is frustrating. It requires serious multitasking and customer service skills.
Writer,
Their eyes are green because that’s the color I thought of when I built the character. It’s not that deep most of the time.
Also, no, I don’t want to read the first draft of the book you started when you were 12 that’s “such a great idea!”
Believe me, none of us write well at 12 and no I won’t read it for free.
Massage therapist - 'how much for a happy ending hurr hurr '. It gets old guys, seriously.
That graphic design is fun, cool, exciting and we'll do it for peanuts just because we enjoy it.
Sorry to break it to you but I got bills to pay and most of the time I'm trying to protect the client from making really bad decisions because they feel they could "do it themselves if they could just draw a little better".
Stay at home dad - that because I’m not the breadwinner I must be emasculated and/or not masculine.
SAHP are the most underappreciated roles. People assume you sit around all day eating bon-bons, watching soap operas, and playing games. It is a rigorous job when done well.
People think being a chef is glamorous thanks to cooking shows, but the reality is long hours in a high-stress environment.
As a 20 year veteran of the event catering world, I'd like to add; Every day is a fresh nightmare. Addiction to d***s and alcohol is more common than not. There is only an gram of creativity for every metric ton of labor. Holidays are the most miserable times. Everybody cries in the walk-in sometimes. We eat absolute garbage when we actually cook for ourselves. Most of us are working through some kind of self hatred from past trauma, (seriously, this is true.) I could go on. Culinary work has such a broken reward system, we are all a bit insane.
I drove a taxi. We don’t meet a lot of famous people. Not all passengers are unhinged lunatics. .
Lawyer here. Just because you fail to understand a nuance doesn’t mean it’s a “loophole”.
A loophole is a fundamental legal right being exercised by someone who doesn't look like you.
Yes, the plane can fly itself for the most part. The "flying" part is the easy part and we offload some of it to automation so we can focus on other tasks.
It's like showing cruise control in a car to someone who has never driven a car or seen a road before, and them saying "oh Id be a great driver, it does everything itself!".
Working in a call center, people think it’s just talking on the phone. It requires strong communication skills and emotional resilience.
Note: this post originally had 50 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Be kind to your fast food worker. Some may be "lazy" or not care or on drúgs, maybe. But most are just trying to get by. Some are in the process of going to school to get that better job. Some are retired and just need a supplemental income. Please remember they don't control the prices or what's offered on the menu (call corporate for that). Finally, don't complain about how they're short handed, unless you want to fill out an application yourself! Thanks😘
I learned that the best way to shut down customers who complain about short staffing is just to agree with them. Take a look at the line of customers queuing behind them, little sigh, “Yeah, I would LOVE a couple more cashiers.” Makes them feel like we’re in it together. Which we are, most of the time.
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Ministers. Not all of them are money driven, mega church promoting egotistical windbags. There are a few left who genuinely understand their faith and want to help people.
A lot of people seem to think an artist can do any kind of design work. All my experience is in painting (watercolour, oil) and I keep getting very kind offers for graphic design/UI work that I wouldn’t have the first clue where to start on.
Mechanic: No, I'm not trying to scam you. I will make more money if you trust me and you come back when you have a problem. I want you to come back when you need an oil change or you hit something on the highway. I don't want you to come back and complain that I broke something.
These all show, that the job you are not doing must be very easy to do, whilst the job I do is highly skilled and complicated.
No. Truck drivers don't just put the route into a GPS and start driving. Trip planning is essential and pre trip inspections of all equipment is legally required.
I own and operate a one truck towing service. We dont rip people off, we dont repo cars, and we generally go out of our way to be courteous and helpful. I wear a uniform shirt and have no tattoos. I also have all.my teeth and dont chew tobacco. Thats a short list of just a few of the common things people think about towing professionals.
Registered Dental Hygienist (20+ years)- no, we don't just "clean teeth". My education encompasses biochemistry, anatomy, microbiology, and oral health education. I'm good at my job bc I work hard, I get to know my patients, and I make it look easy- but it's not. That rumor that we all are sleeping with the dentist is also untrue.
You're not sleeping with the dentist? Time to change my major, I guess...
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Astrologer: No, planets do NOT cause things to happen, they just announce it. It is like a clock with10 arms. Just as the rooster starts screaming every morning at 6, the clock does not CAUSE the rooster to scream, it just announces it.
Be kind to your fast food worker. Some may be "lazy" or not care or on drúgs, maybe. But most are just trying to get by. Some are in the process of going to school to get that better job. Some are retired and just need a supplemental income. Please remember they don't control the prices or what's offered on the menu (call corporate for that). Finally, don't complain about how they're short handed, unless you want to fill out an application yourself! Thanks😘
I learned that the best way to shut down customers who complain about short staffing is just to agree with them. Take a look at the line of customers queuing behind them, little sigh, “Yeah, I would LOVE a couple more cashiers.” Makes them feel like we’re in it together. Which we are, most of the time.
Load More Replies... Ministers. Not all of them are money driven, mega church promoting egotistical windbags. There are a few left who genuinely understand their faith and want to help people.
A lot of people seem to think an artist can do any kind of design work. All my experience is in painting (watercolour, oil) and I keep getting very kind offers for graphic design/UI work that I wouldn’t have the first clue where to start on.
Mechanic: No, I'm not trying to scam you. I will make more money if you trust me and you come back when you have a problem. I want you to come back when you need an oil change or you hit something on the highway. I don't want you to come back and complain that I broke something.
These all show, that the job you are not doing must be very easy to do, whilst the job I do is highly skilled and complicated.
No. Truck drivers don't just put the route into a GPS and start driving. Trip planning is essential and pre trip inspections of all equipment is legally required.
I own and operate a one truck towing service. We dont rip people off, we dont repo cars, and we generally go out of our way to be courteous and helpful. I wear a uniform shirt and have no tattoos. I also have all.my teeth and dont chew tobacco. Thats a short list of just a few of the common things people think about towing professionals.
Registered Dental Hygienist (20+ years)- no, we don't just "clean teeth". My education encompasses biochemistry, anatomy, microbiology, and oral health education. I'm good at my job bc I work hard, I get to know my patients, and I make it look easy- but it's not. That rumor that we all are sleeping with the dentist is also untrue.
You're not sleeping with the dentist? Time to change my major, I guess...
Load More Replies... Astrologer: No, planets do NOT cause things to happen, they just announce it. It is like a clock with10 arms. Just as the rooster starts screaming every morning at 6, the clock does not CAUSE the rooster to scream, it just announces it.
