About 8 years ago, I went through a period of natural disasters, family illness, multiple deaths of friends/family, and questioning my career. I was able to take 2 months off to travel, bought a RTW ticket and set off alone for SE Asia and a few other spots along the way. I had mixed feelings when the trip was over and I arrived at IAD and my customs agent certainly didn't help. After searching my bags and questioning me extensively he looked at me and said "You're a chef? How could a chef possibly afford a trip like this?" If I was questioning my career before...
I said " my dead grandmother." I actually felt bad after I saw the look on his face.