This is an accurate portrayal of what happens when people ask me what I do for work now. If you’re reading this and we’ve met in person, we’ve probably had a similar conversation.

INT. AT A SOCIAL EVENT

TIGHT on Nicholas, who is at this moment, undercaffeinated and waiting for the inevitable question about where he works. He furrows his eyebrows and breathes deeply. His conversation partner opens his/her mouth, Nicholas's pupils dilate.

Person

So, uh, where do you work now?

Nicholas

I work at DSO.

Person

Huh DXO? You army ah?

Nicholas

DSO National Labs. DSO stands for Defence Science Organisation, it's an R&D lab for the military.

Person

Oh you work at DSTA! Your office, is it near Redhill there?

Nicholas

Umm, no. DSO is separate from DSTA. Our office is near Kent Ridge MRT.

Person

Orhhh, ok ya ya.