“What are you studying”

[Youlookyoung]

Probably just need to rant this but

Every time someone is making small talk to me, usually in taxis, they ask “what are you studying”, “what uni do you go to” every single time.

I’m 25, and I’ve worked in my specific area of work since I was 17 so 8 years. I also did an apprenticeship instead of university.

It just irritates me massively that because I seem to look young I get asked this. It’s probably because I get it on a daily basis “what are you studying? Oh so what do you do? you seem too young!” Not everyone’s chosen path is university.

ARGH I’m an experienced working adult! AIBU?

Nobody has ever asked me that unless I was talking about university/ studying! Do you live in a university town? That’s the only reason I can think that this would come up a lot- maybe it’s just an easy conversation starter if most of the people they pick up are studying? Take it as a compliment that you look young:)

How odd. Bet you get id’d buying a lottery ticket too don’t you OP

My DD'S are younger than you, but don't get asked that. As asked, are you in a University town, or live by student accommodation, going to student bars etc?

From where do you find the will to struggle on?

Take the compliment, you must surely live in a Uni town as I cannot imagine being asked that anywher else.

Oh dear. I bet you're also teeny tiny as well. You poor thing .

You will come to appreciate it once you're 40 and look 25! 😁

@BrumBoo

Oh dear. I bet you're also teeny tiny as well. You poor thing .

😂😂😂

@BrumBoo

Oh dear. I bet you're also teeny tiny as well. You poor thing .

There are loads of 25 year old students, post grads etc

Even as a student, I barely got asked what I was studying and never by anyone who didn't already know I was a student.

I smell 💩

Yeah I did my MA at 26 it’s not odd to be at uni that age, I bet you just get picked up near to one of the uni buildings.

You’re probably not being asked because you look like a youthful teeny tiny little student person.

I can see how it's annoying but I think most people have versions of small talk that they have over and over again don't they?

I have a long commute. I have the saaaaaammme conversation every single time I tell someone where I live/ work.

@BrumBoo

Oh dear. I bet you're also teeny tiny as well. You poor thing .

Love it.

I don't think I was ever asked this during the seven years that I was a university student unless I had already brought it up. I also look young for my age (I do, in fact, get ID'd for lottery tickets) and this hasn't happened to me once. Very odd post.

I don’t get ID’d in shops, I’m also not small . My city has a few universities but I live in an area with no student housing or accommodation as it’s a quite posh area. (Not that I can afford posh! I’m staying with parents right now after escaping domestic violence)

Well done for escaping your abuser 💐

Maybe they are trying to be polite / make conversation. My DD were both “studying” at your age. Maybe try not taking so much offence.

So what's the problem exactly? Just say you're not a student. It's just mindless conversation. I doubt it happens that often anyway.

Seems like a weird thing to get annoyed about.

Yes you’re being unreasonable. The taxi driver is making inane small chat they don’t actually care about your career or study path.

Generally adults don’t need to declare they’re adults either.