To just give a generic job title when asked?

[PrueLeith]

Was at a child-related event recently with a friend. Another mum came over to chat to both of us, and the conversation turned to jobs.

I said I was a university lecturer. Friend said she was a senior HR advisor.

Other mum left and friend was like 'why didn't you say your actual job?'. I said I did, and she said 'you're not just a lecturer though, your job title is Head of Department'. I said I felt like lecturer was more descriptive of most of what I do, and most people wouldn't care about my actual title. And that I'd feel like a bit of a knob going 'oh, I'm head of department' as if I'm trying to impress people.

This made me wonder what others do. Do you just give a general/generic description, or would you be careful to say eg 'Higher Level Teaching Assistant' or consultant rather than doctor?

AIBU to just give the general title for what I do? Or is it a bit cringey to be really explicit about exactly what level you are?

Both actually @Cosyblankets but they started it when they decided to speak to women like they are thick. I observed it happening over and over to different women at the event.

Sure, you can teach at a university without being a lecturer, but that poster said 'Lecturer literally tells someone you teach in higher or further education.' ... lecturers generally do teach in HE or FE. (Though they may spend most of their time doing research or filling in grant applications I suppose!).

Anyway... I reckon to many people 'HoD' would sound a bit boring, admin and meetings whereas either 'lecturer' or 'teach at a uni' would be more likely prompt, 'oh, what subject...' and a lot more interest.

Any who aren't knobs would.

My dh would always use the generic role rather than director of.

I used to have a really poncy job title and literally no-one knew what it meant. I just told people I was a support worker because I supported patients. That job title actually meant something to people rather than the ridiculous one that I always had to explain!

I’d argue that ending a post with emojis and kisses makes one look dumber than not telling people you are a Head of Department. My husband absolutely doesn’t tell people he’s a Senior Business Architect. He says he “works in Operations”. And my brother describes himself as a surveyor, rather than Director of blah blah which he actually is. My male KC friend is “a lawyer”.

I'm a senior service delivery manager for an IT managed service provider. I tell people I work in IT. To be honest, as soon as I mention that I work in IT people tend to glaze over anyway..