h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I remember Stephen King saying "People like reading about people working. Who knows why? But they do." Or words to that effect. I know I do - it's interesting to read about different ways people have of earning a crust and finding out what some jobs are really all about.

C258 is the category for jobs in the Edited Guide, and it's a bit sparse. I just thought I'd point it out for anyone looking for inspiration. Have you ever done an interesting job? If not, what was so bad about the dull jobs you've done?

Letsee... day camp counselor, lifeguard, swim instructor, pool operator, babysitter, petsitter, secretary, copywriter (I see advertising is already taken, thank Bob), lab assistant (forthcoming), freelance writer, high academic achiever (don't make fun - this one has been the most profitable in $$$).

Ahdunno.

I'm a writer - so that could present a paradox...

If Descartes can think about thinking, a writer can write about writing!

I don't think anyone wants to know about fish packing, or the yeasty invasion of the body snatchers esq experience of working in an industrial bakery. I've already written about the sweetie factory A28002854
and I don't think the EG allows for the language needed to describe being a mail sorter.

Now how the hell can I write seriously about being a hotel manager in Torquay?

It could make a good entry...

"So you want to be a Basil?"

Hmm... I think I'll take this one up. Writing about work is better than doing work any day.

The language thing could be a problem though - no cursing allowed you say?
(dammit)

The only other problem is I don't know quite what I do exactly

Well, I'm sure I'll find a way around it

You mean you don't g-chat for a living? I do.

Hmmmm, might be a collaboration in there - does anyone else work as an assistant in any kind of Uni institute? We could do one on how to get the job, what to expect, how to survive in it... But we'd need people from different departments to make it a general guide.

there is no way i am writing about my job

people would find out how little i actually do and dump more work on me

Why not write about how to get out of doing any work?

I knew a guy who operated under the 'divide and hide' theory of management. He'd hide in his office thinking about how he could divide his responsibilities and give half to another manager. Then he'd put his plan into effect. Then he'd hide again and think some more. He finally whittled his job down to where he had no responsibilities at all, but still had a project number to charge his time to.

foisting off work is worthy goal and a noble topic.

i'm a night watchman of sorts, so a gloryfied baby sitter in effect
i work 7 nights and then have 7 nights off, so i do very little all week then have a week off, best job in the world

Nice

Ok, We'll all keep mum about your job then so you can maintain your low profile.