When in public and you’re asked what you do for a living, take a minute to read the room before responding.

Do whatever you must to buy that time - act distracted by their attire and ask about it, whatever.

In cut throat and competitive environments, it may not be in your best interest to be specific at first.

Social climbers often ask this question to gauge how much you make.

If you make more than them and/or carry more status, they might figure they can take advantage of your higher standing.

And if you’re considered less, well, you’re to be discarded.

Respond in a general manner of speaking and quickly start asking the questions.

They’ve probably never encountered someone like you before and wouldn’t realize the switch.

“I work in finance, but I noticed your name tag says ‘Deloitte’. What would you say is your biggest career goal for the year?”

They’d be eager to get your answer so they’ll respond however they can, but keep the questions coming until you get what you want.

Then you can decide if they’re worthy of getting what they want.

This is just an example.

Use your imagination to make any necessary exceptions, but let us examine the spirit of the matter.

Jesus said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

The most gullible people in a capitalist world are those who were raised religiously to be innocent as doves but without the wisdom of the serpent.

Let us disambiguate the above words of Jesus.

Sheep vs Wolves

Why were sheep used as a metaphor here?

Well, sheep are herbivores.

They can feed, survive and thrive without having to kill another animal.

The pasture is sufficient for their digestive systems.

Wolves on the other hand, are of a different nature.

They are carnivorous.

When they kill and eat another animal, it’s not considered wicked.

It’s considered nature.

It’s considered survival.

Heck, they might even receive awards for their exceptional hunting prowess from Wolf of The Year Magazine.

So how do you handle yourself in an environment where you have to co-exist and cooperate with people who have carnivorous tendencies, but you do not.

How do you deal with people who ABSOLUTELY MUST take advantage of other people in order to get ahead, but you insist on ecology and treating people with dignity?

You must learn and perfect the wisdom of the streets (serpents), while maintaining the innocence of a dove.

- how is sleight of mouth used in the marketplace to manipulate you into revealing more than you should?

- how do small men cast large shadows projecting an illusion of power?

- how should you, as a newcomer, stay assertive and composed in a room full of vultures?

As Jesus advised, you must use your cunning to protect yourself from the wolves whilst not becoming a wolf yourself.

Move ahead. You must.

But your soul remains a priceless asset.

Those who have lost theirs to the game, wish to be you again.