Work, Work, Work...

Great Jobs I have had--and not so great. A series on work called:

THE REAL WORLD

By Russell D. Hoffman. Copyright (c) 1996 by Russell D. Hoffman.

If you are entering the job market for the first time, these stories are for you. If you want to get some idea of what it's really like out there, these stories should give you a humorous but factual and in-depth look at some of the problems you might face. Lots of books can tell you how to dress, how to try to make a favorable impression, and so on. These stories tell you what it's actually like "in the trenches". Some jobs are 'menial' and you probably wouldn't ever want to do them. Most pay pretty poorly. Some are dangerous. Most are boring. But sooner or later, nearly everyone goes through a time in thier life when they will take any job. Most of us actually start out that way. These stories talk about what those jobs are like, so you can figure out what you really want to be if you do get to grow up and get a real job.

Highlighted entries are currently online. The rest I'm writing as I get time.

Real Stories about Real Work:
• Pub in England
  Don't talk tough if you don't plan to defend yourself.
• Night Shift Dishwasher
  "The guy that wines and dines you and tries to be your friend--he's the one that's going to rip you off!"
• Busboy
  Certain things can never be said at the jobsite.
• Factory Manager
  Use a jig.
• Vendor Tender
  "Smile. It's much harder to punch a face that's smiling at you."
• Fork Lift Operator
  The best job I ever had? Probably!
• Truck Driver
  From Point A to Point B. To Point C. To Point A. To Point D...
• Laborer
  Don't ever stand under the load.
• Spice Distributor
  I can't exactly say I come off smelling like a rose...
• Census Taker
  Stand up and be counted off!
• Hospital Medical Records Clerk
  The information explosion is in full swing here.
• Junior Programmer
  You have to start somewhere. If you can, start by working with experts.
• Customer Service Person
  The customer is not always correct, but they're always right.
• Summer School Teacher
  This is not as easy as I thought it would be!
• Senior Programmer
  Meticulous attention to detail.
• Lecturer
  Sweaty palms go with the terror.
• Talk Show Host
  It's having the most interesting people in the world give you a private lesson.
• Webmaster
  Someone has to run the show.

If you enjoy these stories, if they help you in some way, or if they touch a nerve or something, please send us email! We want to hear from you! And please tell your friends to come read them as well! Thanks!

Table of Contents

The Animated Software Company
http://www.animatedsoftware.com
rhoffman@animatedsoftware.com
Last modified March 27th, 1997.
Webwiz: Russell D. Hoffman
Copyright (c) Russell D. Hoffman