Often used as a
conversation starter and slightly more interesting than "What's the weather like outside?" this question is a great example of the importance we, as a
society, place on paid
employment. The question could, theoretically, warrant a wide variety of responses, yet it is generally assumed that the person asking the question wants to know what sort of
work the
respondent does.
Maybe next time someone asks "What do you do?", you should begin to talk about anything except work or study and watch their reaction.