Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
23(23%)
3 stars
41(41%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I grabbed this book as it was on the same shelf as Nickel and Dimed at the library.

I am truly glad I did so. This book is the author's genuine reality, in contrast to Barbara Ehrenreich's brief experiment.

I had a liking for Nickel and Dimed. However, A Working Stiff's Manifesto has a humorous tone regarding the paths the author has traversed in his life. It wasn't crafted by someone looking down on the working poor and simply inserting themselves into that reality for a short time.

The obvious demographic differences between the authors imply that I understand each wrote from their own position in life. I think it was partly because I could better relate to someone closer to my own age. Also, I see people I have known in him - those who have chosen the life of a working stiff or have become resigned to it.

Like Nickel and Dimed, it is a quick read and is definitely worth reading, as it can make for an interesting discussion.
July 15,2025
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I gave this book 4 stars.

The reason is that the author has portrayed the average working person's dilemma extremely well.

That is, finding a fulfilling job that offers a decent wage, especially when your degree is in English!

Some of the stories in the book are hilarious, while others are horrifying.

However, they all serve as cautionary tales about what one can expect once they are thrust out into the working world.

This book was originally published in 2002, and 13 years later, it is even more relevant.

I recommend it to anyone who believes they have the worst job in the world.

I also recommend it to those who think American workers have it easy.

Although it may not be high literature, it is a quick, well-written, and honest read that provides valuable insights into the working world.

It offers a realistic perspective on the challenges and difficulties that many workers face, and it can help readers gain a better understanding of their own work situations.

Overall, it is a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the topic of work and employment.
July 15,2025
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A world dominated by low-paid, temporary jobs. These jobs are not easy either. It's not a dystopia, but today.

The things that happen to the protagonist of the novel who takes on various jobs from a staffing agency are also familiar to us. It has a tragi-comic narrative.

What we have learned from working doesn't accumulate, and our diplomas don't help us in our jobs. It's as if we are living a life that we light up at night and extinguish in the morning.

This situation reflects the harsh reality of the modern job market. Many people struggle to find stable and well-paying jobs, and are forced to take on temporary or low-paid work just to make ends meet. The protagonist's experiences in the novel may seem extreme, but they are not uncommon in real life.

It is important for society to address these issues and find ways to create more opportunities for people to find meaningful and fulfilling work. This could involve measures such as improving education and training programs, providing more support for small businesses and startups, and promoting policies that encourage job growth and innovation.

Ultimately, we all deserve to have a job that allows us to support ourselves and our families, and to pursue our dreams and passions.
July 15,2025
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Simple, quick, and mostly fun, my journey around the country was filled with a series of crap jobs. It was a wild romp that had its fair share of agony as well.

One of the most memorable episodes occurred on a crab fishing boat off the coast of Alaska. The work there was extremely dangerous, oy! The rough seas, the heavy equipment, and the unpredictable weather made it a challenging and nerve-wracking experience.

But despite the difficulties, there was also a sense of excitement and adventure. Working long hours with a team of dedicated fishermen, I learned a lot about hard work, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork.

Looking back on that experience, I realize that it was one of the most valuable and unforgettable moments of my life. It taught me to embrace challenges and to never give up, no matter how difficult the situation may seem.
July 15,2025
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It was absolutely hilarious when he accidentally blew up the head of the rich people's elephant figurine while attempting to pump oil. The incident was both comical and unexpected, leaving everyone in stitches.


The Alaskan fishing experience he described was truly crazy. I simply can't fathom being up to my neck in fish in a dark room. It sounds like a scene from a wild dream or a strange adventure.


However, I don't quite agree with his take on the internet. Although it's clear that this was written in 2003, his views still seem a bit naive for that time period.


Overall, despite these minor critiques, this was a great read. It was filled with interesting stories and unique perspectives that kept me engaged from start to finish.

July 15,2025
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Got a couple of hours to kill and perhaps in need of a good laugh? Then look no further, for this is the book that you should pick up. It's a really nice and quick read that manages to stimulate just the right amount of brain cells into activity, thus keeping it highly interesting. You'll find yourself engaged from the very first page. The author has a unique way of presenting the stories and ideas, making it a joy to read. Whether you're sitting on a train, relaxing at home, or taking a break from work, this book is the perfect companion. It won't take up too much of your time, but it will definitely leave you with a smile on your face and a bit more mental stimulation than you had before.

July 15,2025
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Levison shelled out a whopping $40,000 to obtain a degree in English. However, to his dismay, he now finds himself in a rather dire situation where he can't seem to land a job.

He has resorted to taking on the lowest and dirtiest work available. He boards a fishing boat in Alaska and answers ads that mislead the unsuspecting into multi-level marketing schemes just to scrape together a meager living.

Meanwhile, he amuses himself by telling tales about his roommate, who has aspirations of breaking into the world of film-making.

If it weren't for the fact that Levison's book is so incredibly funny, the whole situation would be depressingly dismal. It's a strange and somewhat ironic turn of events for someone who invested so much in their education only to end up in such a predicament.

But perhaps, through his humorous accounts, he is able to find a glimmer of hope and a way to make the best of a less than ideal situation.
July 15,2025
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A co-worker of mine once described a movie he had seen as "alternately hilarious and horrifying." I find that to be an apt description for this book as well.

Iain Levinson tells a series of mildly disconnected stories about a sequence of dead-end jobs he held somewhere during the late 90's or early 00's. Levinson, armed with an English degree,却发现尽管接受了文科教育,他却连一份有价值的工作都找不到。这一事实导致他随后对自己的教育充满了相当程度的轻蔑和嘲笑。他从事过餐馆工作、送取暖油、在电影片场当勤杂工、长途卡车司机的助手,最后,在书中相当长的一部分内容里,他在阿拉斯加的几艘捕鱼和捕蟹船上工作。

奇怪的是,Levinson很少在美国企业界寻找工作,我觉得这很奇怪。许多雇主都会很乐意拥有一个像他这样有明显智力和沟通能力的有创造力的员工。然而,他却一次又一次地选择体力劳动和客户服务工作。另一方面,似乎很明显,Levinson并不真正想为任何人工作或走上某种“职业道路”。他喜欢过着悠闲的单身生活方式,不想被任何人告诉该做什么。他的目标是找一份仅仅能支付账单并让他有一些空闲时间喝酒、约会和创作伟大的美国小说的工作。

Levinson的懒汉回忆录充满了真正令人尴尬、不安甚至是彻头彻尾可怕的时刻。其中许多情节很滑稽,但其他一些则令人瞠目结舌地可怕。看着有人在阿拉斯加的酒吧里被打得屁滚尿流?不,谢谢。然而,这些轶事却让人忍不住一读再读,这在很大程度上要归功于Levinson的写作质量。这就像是在读由喜剧演员Dave Barry翻译的《一分钱一分货》。

时不时地,Levinson会插入关于工人(或女性)困境的评论,并思考为什么他所有的工作都这么糟糕,以及“那个人”或“对利润的追求”或其他一些不知名的实体或概念是如何欺骗每个人的。尽管他的一些观察相当敏锐,但他并没有在这些主题上花费太多时间,这也许是件好事。虽然我常常为Levinson所处的困境感到难过,但我也有一种感觉,他至少有一部分是自己造成的。他不是道德美德或良好判断力的典范。

而正是这些缺点造就了一次既滑稽又可怕的旅程。
July 15,2025
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I know the author, which made it especially hilarious.

However, it's not just the humor that makes this a great read. It's also a really quick one, and the writing is extremely strong.

If you loathe sitting at a desk all day long, you'll truly appreciate this piece after learning about this guy's dirty, stinky, and gross jobs.

It gives you a different perspective and makes you realize that there are far worse things than being confined to an office chair.

The author does a great job of painting a vivid picture of these unpleasant occupations, making it both entertaining and eye-opening.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read or something to make you grateful for your own job, this article is definitely worth checking out.

You'll be laughing out loud while also gaining a newfound respect for those who从事 the less glamorous professions.
July 15,2025
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Here is an excellent book that was written by a self-professed English major. He was quite lucky as he managed to secure a book deal in the end. However, this tale doesn't just stop there. It chronicles his journey through the seedy underworld of working for a living. It's a rather interesting account that takes the reader on a ride through the less glamorous side of the professional world. And one can't help but wonder, is there anyone out there who would hire a devilishly handsome, erudite, and well-groomed Vanderbilt graduate to write snarky 3-sentence book reviews? This aspect adds an element of mystery and curiosity to the story, making it all the more engaging and captivating for the readers.

July 15,2025
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This is an extremely funny memoir, presented in a darkly humorous fashion. It details one man's efforts to stay afloat while engaged in the lower-level jobs of modern-day America.

Just like Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed," it explores a similar theme. However, in this case, it's not an experiment that he can simply opt out of at the end.

While you might not wish Levinson's adventures upon him, he possesses a truly wonderful comic gift for retelling them.

One can't help but hope that this book has left him in a comfortable financial situation. He most definitely deserves it.

His ability to find humor in the often difficult and mundane experiences of working at the lower rungs of the employment ladder is both impressive and entertaining.

It makes for a captivating read that not only provides laughs but also offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those in such positions.

Overall, this memoir is a testament to Levinson's storytelling skills and his ability to turn even the most unenviable situations into something humorous and engaging.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted yet thought-provoking read.
July 15,2025
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As a person who has held a little over 80 jobs in my lifetime, this book made me realize I'm not alone.

Some of the situations the author finds himself in are truly out of this world. I specifically remember the part about him shoveling fish in Alaska. The harsh environment and the physically demanding task must have been a real challenge.

Or the time he worked as a waiter at a party in the freezing cold for a hostess who was both insensitive and a snob. It's easy to imagine how frustrating that experience must have been.

I don't agree with some of the retaliatory measures he took at some of his jobs. However, I can relate to just how maddening it can be to find work and to work for decent people in this world. The job market can be tough, and it's not always easy to find a job that pays well and has good working conditions.

Overall, this book was an interesting read that made me think about my own experiences in the workforce.
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