The Power of Sharing Our Work Lives
A casual conversation with my friend Olivia a few years ago sparked a thought that lingered in my mind. “If you could do anyone’s job for a day, whose would it be?” she asked, before complimenting my role as an editor on a national broadsheet, saying she’d find it fascinating. I replied that I’d love to understand her job better, primarily because I had little idea of what she actually did. Finance? Something along those lines, I presumed.
Fast forward a few years, and I discovered that sharing insights about our professional lives has become a trendy pastime, especially among Gen Z. The latest craze is inviting friends over for a night of PowerPoint presentations—think of it as a more sophisticated version of the classic Mr & Mrs Smith games you might find at a hen-do. This “Explaining What I Do for Work” PowerPoint evening has become a popular means of entertainment.
In one viral TikTok, a group of twenty-somethings delights in debunking their so-called “big-girl jobs”—ranging from sales to data science and radiology—while sharing slides about their day-to-day tasks, job hierarchies, and even their personal experiences. Those who have participated claim it’s a fantastic way to strengthen friendships and suggest that hiring managers should consider doing the same for potential recruits.
While it may seem like a quirky trend, the idea appealed to me when I first stumbled upon it on Instagram. Honestly, I realized I didn’t even fully understand what my husband does at work every day. And my friends in finance? How do they manage to make substantial amounts of money while still being present for their kids’ sports matches and breakfast? What does a civil servant really accomplish while working from home? Motivated by curiosity, I decided to host my own PowerPoint night.
Initially, I thought about making it a couples’ gathering, but it turned out that many of our friends held similar jobs as their spouses. Plus, my husband humorously warned that he couldn’t divulge the details of his military career without serious consequences. So, it was decided: a night for the ladies. Living in Yorkshire, I’ve encountered a group of brilliant, witty women, and this was the perfect opportunity to bring them together.
Everyone eagerly accepted the invitation. Olivia, the inspiration behind this concept, was a must-invite. Hannah and Katherine, a psychologist and a blood cancer researcher respectively, were also included, as they shared similar challenges with work-life balance. With Olivia and Hannah both returning to work from maternity leave, we had even more to discuss. Sarah, who recently left Google to pursue her own career coaching business, and Lea, a former banker now running a small group of care homes, rounded out the guest list. And of course, I was excited to be the host.
I sent out clear instructions: keep it fun and engaging, incorporate visuals instead of lengthy text, make it concise, and feel free to bring props. On the night of the event, everyone arrived dressed to impress, laptops in hand—definitely not your typical dinner party setup. One friend had to cancel, which I chose to interpret as a genuine illness rather than nerves about presenting; she’d have been a great addition.
As we settled in with bowls of risotto and salad, we encountered a minor hiccup trying to set up the projector, which ultimately failed. But that didn’t dampen our spirits.
Insights and Inspiration
The presentations were utterly captivating. Katherine shared a mind map outlining her various professional roles: lecturer, research fellow, cancer biologist, experimental hematologist, and assistant professor. She detailed what each role entailed, providing a sample timetable for her week and explaining her passion for her work. I was particularly impressed that she prioritizes two workout sessions weekly as a non-negotiable aspect of her routine, and her colleagues respect that.
Next, Sarah walked us through what it’s like to be an executive coach while managing her son’s education, who is on the autism spectrum. Her presentation exuded a calm confidence that made me want to sign up for her coaching immediately. I was in awe of her ability to juggle so many responsibilities while remaining composed.
Hannah then shared a day in her life as the head of clinical health psychology at a local NHS trust, detailing how she supports both cancer patients and the healthcare staff who care for them. She spoke passionately about the rewarding moments of her job—seeing her work transform lives—while also expressing her frustrations with red tape and the less-than-ideal state of hospital kitchens.
Finally, I had the chance to delve into Olivia’s role in the financial consultancy sector. While I still can’t fully grasp the intricacies of pensions, I learned that more women should consider pursuing careers in financial management consultancy, although I’d likely flounder given my struggles to understand the complexities.
Beyond being thoroughly impressed by their PowerPoint skills, I felt both inspired and humbled. Typically, my conversations with these remarkable women revolve around parenting, school logistics, or the trials of marriage. Yet, that night, I saw them in an entirely different light—Katherine’s focus, Olivia’s brilliance, Sarah’s composure, and Hannah’s compassion all stood out in stark contrast to our usual discussions.
After my presentation, I found myself questioning whether anyone would want my job. The life of a freelance journalist is a tumultuous journey filled with emotional highs and lows. Sure, I appreciate the freedom to create my own schedule (in theory), but does landing a feature story on the cover of a broadsheet magazine compare to the satisfaction of making a significant impact in a patient’s life? Or having a fleeting appearance on the Today program measure up to the profound work done in a cancer research lab? Hosting a PowerPoint dinner party just for fun is a luxury I can’t often afford.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend hosting a PowerPoint dinner party. It not only provides an avenue for entertainment but also allows you to see your friends in a new light, recognizing their intelligence and talents. It’s an excellent way to foster connections among those who may not know each other well, and it leaves you with plenty to think about. And who knows? It might even inspire a career change. Watch out, Sarah; you may soon have a new client on your hands!
