Several years ago I read a fascinating article on this issue. The author mentioned that she changed her answer from her profession to her personal characteristics, such as, “I am a learner, a reader who loves to spend a day with a book, ect.” This type of response eliminates society’s stereotypes of certain professions and probably leads to a deeper conversation. If nothing else, it jolts people away from the usual dinner party chatter.

“What do you do?”

I’m enjoying a hot bowl of pho.

Though if I were there, I would have answered, “lawyer.”
Too many boxes, too little time. We need to jump out
of all boxes. Especially re: words we identify ourselves
with.

By the way, you write like a scholar.