For anyone who has ever endured a truly lousy job.

For those who have harbored a passion that lies beyond the confines of the typical 9 to 5 workday.

For those who have been hounded about the work uniform or been referred to as an "associate" instead of an "employee."

And for anyone who has been reprimanded harshly for working overtime and incurring a cost to the company of 1.5 times their hourly wage.

As Iain Levison so vividly describes, "They have some kind of computer system, I am told, where lights and buzzers go off in the payroll office the minute anyone receives overtime, and regional managers and district managers and various other executives fly in from the golf course and start screaming."

Iain Levison delves into the experience of struggling for his art while holding down a series of dead-end jobs, some of which he can barely recall. He has developed a distinct voice, one that is both jaded and powerful. This is a great read for anyone who has ever worked in a fish market, as a mover, or who has spent $40,000 on a degree in English only to find themselves working in a fish market or as a mover.

It offers a relatable and often humorous look at the trials and tribulations of the working world and the pursuit of one's true passion.

I had never heard of this book before. However, I happened to pick it up for just a buck in some random used bookstore. Little did I know that it would turn out to be such a gem.

This is a truly laugh-out-loud, well-written, and witty memoir. It reads like a really good zine, full of interesting anecdotes and humorous observations.

Anyone who was an English major should definitely get something out of this and be able to relate to it on some level. Although, to be honest, I wasn't an English major myself, so perhaps I shouldn't really make that statement so boldly.

But what I can say for sure is that I have been a disgruntled employee who tried every possible way to get one over on his boss. So, if you've ever been in that same situation and are looking for a quick and entertaining read, then you're more than welcome to borrow this one from me. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

My copy of this book has mysteriously disappeared, and I'm absolutely furious about it.

This book is truly an amazing one. It is filled with awesomeness that keeps you engaged from the very first page. The humor within its pages makes you laugh out loud at times, while the fierce and challenging nature of the story keeps you on the edge of your seat.

It's the kind of book that you can't put down once you start reading. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing.

I was really enjoying reading it, and now that it's gone, I feel a sense of loss. I hope I can find it soon so that I can continue this wonderful reading experience.

It was an extremely funny read indeed.

The story was filled with hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud.

The characters were so vividly described that I could easily picture them in my mind, engaging in the most absurd and comical situations.

The author's use of language was masterful, with witty dialogues and clever wordplay that added to the overall humor.

Each page seemed to bring a new surprise, and I couldn't wait to turn the next one to see what would happen next.

It was truly a delightful and entertaining experience, and I would highly recommend this read to anyone in need of a good laugh.

It's the kind of story that you can pick up whenever you're feeling down and it will instantly brighten your day.

Overall, it was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Levinson's book presents a rather uneven mix.

On one hand, there are tepid anecdotes that seem to drag on, and on the other, there are occasional bursts of outrage that come across as somewhat forced.

This could have truly been a remarkable book had the narrative voice been more engaging and likable.

The instances when the book delves into the titular "manifesto" territory are indeed interesting, but unfortunately, they are far too brief.

When it comes to books on similar themes, I have to admit that I preferred Dishwasher by Pete Jordan.

However, it's not all bad. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments that managed to lighten the overall tone.

This is precisely why I decided to give the book three stars instead of two.

Another aspect that I find quite interesting is how many memoir writers seem to end up working in miserable jobs in Alaska.

It makes one wonder what draws them to such experiences and how they manage to turn them into engaging stories.

Overall, while Levinson's book has its flaws, it still has some redeeming qualities that make it worth a read.

If you have a penchant for delving into a book that explores jobs you would never dream of doing and if you are in the mood for a book that takes a cynical stance towards business, then this particular book might just be the one for you.

Alas, however, I find myself to be too much of an optimist to truly resonate with the author's perspective. It seems to me that the author has become overly jaded, perhaps due to a surfeit of experiences that have soured his view.

Honestly speaking, I also believe that the author is somewhat blind to his own lack of creativity. In his cynicism, he may be overlooking the potential for innovation and positive change within the business world.

While I can understand the allure of a book that offers a different take on jobs and business, I find that this particular work fails to connect with my more hopeful and forward-thinking mindset.

An Eye Opening Account of Living Hand to Mouth in the United States

Living hand to mouth in the United States can be a truly eye-opening experience. Many people find themselves in this precarious situation, struggling to make ends meet from one paycheck to the next. The cost of living is high, with expenses such as housing, food, and healthcare eating up a significant portion of their income.

Those who live hand to mouth often have to make difficult choices. They may have to choose between paying the rent or buying groceries. They may have to forego necessary medical treatments due to lack of funds. This constant state of financial stress can take a toll on their mental and physical health.

Despite the challenges, many people manage to persevere. They find ways to cut costs, such as cooking at home instead of eating out, or using public transportation instead of owning a car. They also look for ways to increase their income, such as taking on a part-time job or starting a small business.

Living hand to mouth in the United States is not easy, but it is possible to survive and even thrive with determination and hard work.

As someone who just completed their tax filing and had to explain to an accountant the reason for working 5 taxable jobs within one tax year, I truly relished this book. Due to a "self-employment 1099-form" circumstance, I had to establish a business instantly. Then, I had to come up with an appropriate title to describe someone who both teaches poetry to the elderly and facilitates large corporate-group ticket sales for a local science center. This book indeed presents an extreme instance of an individual with extreme jobs - an Alaskan fisherman, truck driver, moving man, and so on. Levison's stories were captivating, moving, dark, and颇为accurate. For example, if you are set to get health insurance on your 100th day, you might be fired on your 99th. The stories are interspersed with the small human cruelties that constitute the American workforce, and every now and then, there was a kindness that truly touched me.

I also now feel incredibly informed (which is the natural outcome of working numerous jobs for short durations). The book was filled with useful tips on which jobs to strive for if you are ever employed on certain fishing boats in Alaska, how to perform these jobs (such as when to wear gloves and when not to), what not to be duped by in a classified ad versus what to always look for, and other similar things.

My only gripe about this book is the perspective that it was Levison's choice to major in English that led to his unemployability and doomed him to be pricked by fish spines and lift boxes throughout his life. I think half of this is a marketing decision, but he does have some lines in the book hinting at the fact that his English degree has been an obstacle to finding employment. He has stated that it has made him a liability at some jobs (English majors "analyze" too much) - like being an exterminator or fisherman - and too impatient with other jobs - like being a moving man. But what it really boils down to is a conversation he had while working on a fishing boat in Alaska, when a young man asks him what he's going to do with all the money he earns, and he says "I have no idea."

Levison's decision to major in English stemmed from a love of literature and writing, but beyond that, he didn't have a plan for it. As an English major myself (and perhaps hence the immediate defensiveness), the reaction I have typically received in interviews has been excitement from the employers - but I haven't been looking at Alaskan fishing boats or trucking companies. I have been seeking jobs doing write-ups for arts and science companies, teaching writing, editing, and most Americans can't form or edit sentences, or don't feel comfortable doing so. Levison repeatedly says that his dream is to work in a building with a coffee maker; that's pretty much what you can expect if you major in English. The only thing Levison didn't have was a plan for what he wanted to do after college, and he admits this time and time again, whether he wants to or not. That can become a bit tiresome page after page.

The ultimate irony, of course, is that for all his complaining about being an English major, "wasting" $40,000 on a degree he "can't use," and all of that, he ended up writing a book. And a very interesting one at that, even if it's not a great work of literature. And now he may not have to work as many of those crappy jobs, unless he desires to, of course.

This is truly a good and quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The story was engaging, and what really stood out was the quickly changing scenery as the protagonist moved from one job to another.

It made me think deeply about how much I could actually relate to the struggles faced by the main character.

As I was reading, I found myself constantly reflecting on my own experiences and wondering if I had ever been in similar situations.

The author did a great job of creating a vivid and relatable world that drew me in from the very beginning.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

It's the kind of story that stays with you long after you've finished the last page.

Overall, it was a great reading experience that I would not hesitate to repeat.

The premise of the book was indeed promising. It was a book that seemed to be a necessary addition to the literary landscape, especially considering the extremely tough job market at the time it was written.

However, instead of coming across as funny or witty as one might have hoped, Levinson gave the impression of being a bitter Bukowski wannabe. I really wanted to like the book, having been in a similar situation myself. But as someone who has interacted with similar characters during my dating days, I can truthfully say that it wasn't his employment prospects that were hurting his chances with the ladies. It was his rather rubbish attitude.

I'm holding out hope that the book was written when he was in his early twenties. Because having that kind of attitude beyond the age of 26 just seems a bit sad and unappealing. It makes one wonder if he will ever be able to grow and change his perspective.

Overall, while the concept of the book had potential, Levinson's execution left something to be desired. It will be interesting to see if he evolves as a writer and as a person in the future.

This book is an absolute gem that will have you laughing out loud.

Its style is reminiscent of Sedaris, yet it has a more good-natured charm.

The author's accounts of the trials and tribulations in today's working world are truly hilarious.

From the art of padding your resume to dealing with crazy coworkers and unstable bosses, every page is filled with riotous anecdotes.

Despite being a very short book, it is well worth every penny.

It offers a lighthearted and entertaining escape from the daily grind, making it a must-read for anyone in need of a good laugh.

You'll find yourself relating to the author's experiences and chuckling along as you turn the pages.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this book and let the laughter begin!

This guy truly relished the benefits that came with an English degree.

He had access to a wide range of literary works and was able to explore different cultures and ideas through the medium of the English language.

One of the things he really liked was reading funny books. These books not only provided him with entertainment but also allowed him to relax and unwind after a long day of studying or working.

Moreover, funny books were often quick reads, which meant that he could finish them in a short amount of time and move on to the next one.

It was a great way for him to satisfy his love for reading while also having some fun.

Overall, his English degree had opened up a whole new world of opportunities for him, and he was making the most of it by indulging in his favorite pastime of reading funny books.