Self-deprecation is worth its weight in smoldering phoenix-ashes and baby unicorn tears.
or; inquiring minds want to know.
Published on August 8, 2007 By SanChonino In Philosophy
In many recent conversations with members of the illiterate horde that makes up the vast majority of my generation, I've encountered some interesting feedback.

Many people, upon hearing my intent to receive a Ph.D. in Spanish Literature to be able to teach at the University level, seem taken aback. Often, it's at best maligned, at worst ridiculed.

This has caused me a little bit of consternation the last few weeks. It's been called "worthless" by more than a couple of people. And, you know, that's cool. I don't really care too much about your opinions concerning my career plans, but it's gotten me thinking.

What is a "worthless" job? Obviously, it must be worth something to somebody - otherwise, they wouldn't be paid to do it.

But I open the questioning to the lot of you - what do you consider a "worthless" job? And, more importantly . . . why?

Comments (Page 1)
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on Aug 08, 2007
I don't know that any jobs are worthless.

Maybe some people put more value on jobs where you create something or make a lot of money.

Dunno.

A lot of people consider what I do worthless, too.
on Aug 08, 2007
Teaching Contemporary Spanish Lit.

Because it's what you want to do.

Seriously, though, there is no worthless job. If someone's paying you to do it, it's not worthless, as you say.

The thing with contemporary Spanish Lit is, is there anything else you can do with it besides teaching contemporary Spanish Lit? Because for every teacher, there must be many students. And if you only teach Spanish Lit majors, who are doing it to become Spanish Lit teachers, there's not going to be enough students for all the teachers.
on Aug 08, 2007
Wal Mart Greeter.
on Aug 08, 2007
I stand corrected.
on Aug 08, 2007
Hey, Wal-Mart greeters also glance at your receipt before you walk out the door.
on Aug 08, 2007
Stores that employee greeters have a lot less shoplifting. It takes away the anonymity that the shoplifter wants to feel. Plus they will wipe the rain off of my cart or go get me one when my hands are full so I say not worthless.
on Aug 08, 2007
The thing with contemporary Spanish Lit is, is there anything else you can do with it besides teaching contemporary Spanish Lit? Because for every teacher, there must be many students. And if you only teach Spanish Lit majors, who are doing it to become Spanish Lit teachers, there's not going to be enough students for all the teachers.


There's plenty of students in the Spanish department, even in the upper-division classes. Most of them are Spanish minors, so there's not a lot of competition. (A foreign language minor can be an asset to almost any degree.) Plus, there's a national shortage of foreign language professors, so I'm not too worried.
on Aug 08, 2007
Ha, the Wal-Mart greeters where you are are a lot different than the ones here.
on Aug 08, 2007
And hey, SC, if it doesn't work out, Wal-Mart greeter.
on Aug 08, 2007
Seriously, though, there is no worthless job. If someone's paying you to do it, it's not worthless, as you say.


That is it in a nutshell.

And many college graduates do not get jobs in their degree, but in other fields. College is ill equipped for a job in technology (other than R&D) since it is changing so fast. So most of the people in the field have degrees in non-related areas, and then got OJT.
on Aug 08, 2007
Ah, well, I, being awesome, got right out of college and fell into a career in my field. Actually, being lucky. Or God's hand on my shoulder. Something.
on Aug 08, 2007
Liberal arts major.
on Aug 08, 2007
Hmmm...I don't consider any jobs worthless...
on Aug 08, 2007
Liberal arts major.


Suck my WHAT?
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