I'm an air traffic controller. I guess most people don't know, maybe because they think that we work for the airlines, but most controllers, including me, work for the federal government and hold secret clearances. Since the Oklahoma city bombing and 9/11 there is very heightened security around the profession and the buildings we work in, so I never give out the number. If that means that I can't see a lady, then so be it.

Frankly, anytime I am not at work, I don't like being asked what I do.  It's nothing really odd at all (computer-related stuff), it's just that I don't like to take my work home with me.  People (and that includes providers) drop hints about how their computer isn't working (invariably running Windows, probably with a shitload of spyware) or they want to know if I think a certain brand of laptop is any good, or whatever.

With one girl, I agreed to take a look at her computer after a session.  We booted it up, and the login screen had a default user name -- her full (first and last) real name.   Oops.  Awkward moment.

I haven't starting lying about what I do .. yet.

Maybe instead of totally lying about what I do, I could just start playing dumb about PCs and pretend I work on mainframes.  Think that'll work?  Just my luck, some provider will jump for joy, "I have a broken AS/400 in my basement!"

You can choose not to give job phone information to a provider.  Many will not see you without that information but there are some who will.  I recently had a provider ask for a lot of information about me including my work phone exchange, home phone and home address information.  Since I am single and saw no issues with what she asked for, I gave the information.  She was able to confirm the information without ever calling me prior to giving an appointment.  Generally the providers who are extensive screeners will have well developed methods for protecting your privacy while protecting themselves.

and I'm even afraid sometimes that I give out too much information right away, which is something I used to be extremely cautious if not paranoid about. I keep thinking that someday I'll be a famous actress and then this will come back to haunt me. Some idiot out there will blow my cover. It's a shame that we have to worry about things like that.

More than anything, discretion (complete secrecy) is the key, no matter who you like or don't like.

Hugs,
Ciara

I work in aerospace.  These folks aren't security conscious, they're downright paranoid.  Company policy says our expectation of privacy is, well, nonexistent.  Phone calls and emails may be monitored at any time.

Besides, the phones are all direct lines with no need to go through the swtichboard.  That's pretty common in large companies these days.  Besides, it wouldn't surprise me if all calls that went through the switchboard are monitored.

So I don't give out work information.  I'll talk generally about what I do, that's different.

Why do you want to hide that you're in the military? What's wrong with that?  Or government workers or any other vocation?

And speaking of your employer..

Most ladies WILL call your employer. They don't ask for the info for no reason - they need to verify it. So, you already know they will be calling. I usually send an email, or leave a voice mail on the cell that I will be calling. I figure if the gents are sly enough to make excuses to the SO's, handle the financial parts, cell phone bills, etc, one phone call at work isn't going to completely throw him for a loop! But, that doesn't always happen.
It's really not that hard. Say, you answer the phone, "Sales, this is Bob.." and she says, "Hi, Bob..this is Tiara..is this a bad time?", then just relax and play along with it, and say (if appropriate), "Oh, hi..yeah..can you call me back at.." and give her your clue. Then, you're both done. I mean - it's that easy and yet sometimes it's like pulling teeth and people freak.
We have to know where you spend your workweek - doing WHAT.
The faster we can get through the mutually unpleasant parts, the faster we can get on with the good stuff! So..let's work together and make it fast, easy and smooth.
As my business changes and grows (and I'm excited with it right now), I have to modify and change things to better suit us all, and that includes our other lives, too. So, I have to make some changes in order to run efficiently and smoothly, and that definitely includes emails. I'm at the point where, if I can't get what I need and get it done in TWO emails or 48 hours, whichever comes first, I'm gonna have to pass. I can't have back and forth phone calls, emails, voice mails and take 5 days getting through the process for something that should be done in less than 2 and in not more than 2 days. If somebody is REALLY interested, and really serious, they'll get it done, and get it right the first time. I don't say this to be mean, snippy, look hoitey-toitey, or PBE, or whatever, I say this because I am watching my time, so that I can better spend my TIME with YOU, and not waste it on BS! If things, such as this were better MANAGED, then I think providers would have less flakiness, be more on time, be more prepared for their sessions, give BETTER sessions, and be less tired and burned out. It's management.
So, I have carried on too long, when what I was trying to say is, work with us a bit better. I gotta call you at work. You either trust me and my reputation, or you don't. But, I gotta do things right.