by ELENA VERNA on SubStack "What do you do for work?” Does hearing this question freak you out? Excite you? Or do you just kind of answer on autopilot? If you’re inclined not to take the question too seriously, beware: Whether you like it or not, this seemingly simple inquiry will instantaneously categorize you within the social hierarchy. People use it to decide whether you are worthy of their time and respect. For instance, if you’re at a networking event in Silicon Valley, it will go something like this: ‘Oh, you’re a VP at Dropbox? How fascinating, let’s connect.’ ‘Oh,…