"I own a business, and frankly I hate it. It consumes all of my time and energy and I'm trying to figure out a plan to get out. That said, the only thing I hate more than owning and operating my business is TALKING about the business I own and operate. And yet, in any social gathering, people inevitably ask me about how it's going. And no matter how many times I deflect or redirect, inevitably, at the next social gathering, people ask me about it."
"You seem extremely burned out and deeply unhappy. You say you're figuring a way out, but please, figure faster, because this is frankly a disproportionate response to a benign small talk question that is very common at social gatherings! One of the things people generally make small talk about-besides the weather and their kids and/or pets-is work. I have no idea which industry you're in, but either you're so boring that the only thing people can think to ask you about is work,"
A business owner hates running their company and feels consumed and exhausted. Social gatherings trigger repetitive questions about work that cause distress and spiraling. The owner deflects attempts to avoid the topic, but people continue to ask. Responding by stating rates may come across as rude. Practical options include avoiding social events until feeling better or attending while using a rehearsed, neutral reply to maintain boundaries. Work is a common small-talk topic alongside weather, children, and pets. Intense internal reactions to routine questions suggest burnout and the need for faster plans to change the situation. If attendance is necessary, rehearse a brief response that preserves composure.
Read at Slate Magazine
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