This is a difficult question to answer. It was easy enough to make the decision to do 12 jobs in 12 months, but now that I’ve done them (I finished in December last year) and have to write up the stories, I’m faced with strong internal reluctance to get started. Part of me knows that what I did last year was unusual and people, presumably, will be interested.
I’ve just finished a decorating job and it’s always really hard to transition from “normal” work to the introspective task of writing. I feel a strong pull towards YouTube, catching up on the news, sharing silly messages on WhatsApp, organising my next journey, cleaning the house, washing up, going for long walks — doing anything other than looking into my thoughts, feelings and memories. Avoidance is the name of the game
They say that money makes the world go round but the same could be said for jobs. Without jobs people would be broke and they’d also be without a daily structure, a routine that gets them up in the morning and pulls them through life.
Most jobs last for years, some for decades, and wouldn’t it be interesting to read about someone who did 12 of them in a year? When I’ve mentioned it to people they often ask questions: What was your favourite job? (Catering). How did you get jobs? (Networking). Did these jobs take you abroad? (Yes). Were you well paid? (Sometimes). Did you get fired? (Yes). What gave you this idea? (A conversation).
Funnily enough nobody has asked me why I did 12 jobs in 12 months or why I’m writing a book about it, and that’s why I’m writing this article as I think it’s an interesting question.
I haven’t come across many books written about jobs, which is odd considering how much of our lives we dedicate to them. One of the most interesting aspects of jobs, in my view, is HR (Human Resources) — how companies recruit people. Everything I’ve seen and heard about HR professionals is appalling: their approach to recruitment is often idiotic, their value is questionable and if you ask someone who works for a big company they invariably have nothing good to say about HR. This gives me an interesting feature for each chapter — how did I get the job? The characters I worked with will be another interesting element in the book.
In terms of political context an interesting factor is A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) which is so clever that it threatens to take away many types of jobs. One of my jobs (working for the Post Office) felt like it was a role that will soon be replaced by machines; I felt like I was being trained and managed like a robot and the job itself (delivering parcels) is so micromanaged that when the machines take over they’ll know everything their human predecessors did, and do it better (at least in terms of maximising profits).
Maybe all jobs will be replaced by AI and robots soon? This doesn’t worry me as there’s enough money in the system to pay every citizen a Universal Basic Income and people could work as carers, artists/writers/musicians, community entrepreneurs, charity workers, academics, or just follow their dreams. It just needs a change of attitude that fits with new technology, and if you think about jobs they are just tasks that were developed during the industrial revolution. Their central function in our society is never questioned. The technology has changed but our attitudes haven’t: to be “normal” you must get a job.
I still haven’t answered the question about why I’m writing this book about 12 jobs? It feels rather arrogant to say “I’m writing it for people to learn about jobs!” Am I? How do I know if anyone is interested? What if they’re not? I don’t have an answer for these questions but what I can do is make it clear that I’m writing this for my own selfish purposes — because I think it’s interesting and I like to share my experiences in written form– and if nobody else agrees it won’t affect me too much. My pride, vanity and ego won’t be too bruised.
The other purpose of this book is to let people know what I’ve been up to (a nasty voice in my head says “Nobody’s interested and you’re an arrogant shit for assuming that anybody is!”) I have learned to ignore these naysayers in my head. As someone who is always on the move I like to let people know what I’ve been up to. I do this with updates on Instagram, this blog and, sometimes, books.
I find this blog a useful place to discuss ideas, some of which won’t make it into the book, and also my struggles with sloth, complacency and procrastination. You, the person reading this article, can help by writing a comment under here. Comments can help make the book better, as they sometimes challenge my thinking.
Finally, this is a good place to launch my new hashtag: #12×12
- Introduction to 12 Jobs in 12 Months - April 23, 2024
- Why am I writing a Book About 12 Jobs in 12 Months? - April 4, 2024
- A Guide to Ukraine’s Future - February 19, 2024
I hear you on procrastination. Tough to get started. But you gotta go through with it and get it done. You kept notes as you were going. And you know better than most what it takes to organize your shit in writing, as they say.
As you know I am starting off on my writing journey, following the death of my dearest one, Kasha. I too am struggling to know where to get started. And I’m suffering and feel my mind turn to mulch any time I think about anything for more than a minute.
So remember that when you think about slacking. If you go for it I will. If you slack, I’ll be more inclined to slack.
Half an hour a day, someone said above. I like that.
Challenging yourself and making such a commitment is impressive and you have of course succeeded in getting 12 jobs. I am intrigued by the way fellow bosses and colleagues have related to you and your work. Many jobs involve human interaction, perhaps that will get less, with people who we might not surround ourselves with. I am interested in these character differences and how you related to them. On reflection would you still keep on as I know it has been a rich experience and of course I want to learn what you learned. So I wait in anticipation for the book x
The 12 jobs you managed to take on, for 12 months, is just remarkable…
I imagine it wasn’t a smooth ride all the time…
I’ve got a question for you: How did you manage to keep this project going for so long?
Interesting question but an easy answer. Once I get started on a project I am always 100% determined to finish it, and all obstacles are overcome with determination and verve. My problem is getting started on a project and I’m having this problem right now with the starting of the 12×12 book…
Enjoyed reading your reflections and process, much of which I can relate to! Glad you’ve learned to ignore the naysayers, that’s a superpower. Keep doing you and sharing what inspires you. How many jobs are you doing this year?
I’m not sure how many jobs I’ll be doing this year as there’s no plan beyond keeping my head above the water, the wolf from the door, but I’ve already done about three…
Even people in lifetime jobs may be interested in insights into the gig economy and portfolio careers (do I get points for buzzword bingo?). Go for it!
That’s a really interesting point Tim, as I’m sure the Gig Economy inspires a lot of fear and misunderstanding among those who haven’t experienced it.
I’d love to know why and how it all went, Rupert. The article is a good start but really looking forward to hearing more about it.
Thanks Sorina, I am encouraged by these replies and this level of interest and am considering sharing all the material (the book text) on my blog…
I don’t read books. But I’m interested in your story regardless. Whether it’s in the form of a book, a podcast, a YouTube video or a conversation around a firepit – great stories like this are what keep people going.
You would be surprised how many people would be interested. People who have no desire to be a writer, to travel, to job jump but like to read for the vicarious thrill will find it interesting. People who wish they could write, travel, job jump will be interested. I want to know the story of you being fired; that could be a starting audience grab. Maybe baby steps, set a time each day and see what comes if you start at a half hour. Good luck!
Personally, I think you are courageous to do this… as you say it is out of the ‘norm’. I feel this will encourage people to question their own jobs and ‘routine’ of life, question what gets them motivated to get up un the morning … well done Rupert. I’m looking forward to see what you have been up to and what thoughts it may stir up in my wee head !
Quick instant response (not thought through).
Most of what you’re wondering about applies to every author except the psychos who think they’re fab and probably aren’t.
Someone will be interested – it’s just a matter of finding them. Three markets that occur: the young, wondering what to do with their future (choosing uni or not, choosing a field of activity); the middle-aged suddenly out of a job (due to AI or any other reason) and wondering what the hell to do, at least in the interim; and the fit and active retired, wondering whether anybody needs them any longer.
My experience of hosting volunteers is that there’s a large swathe of people aged 19-64 (ages of those who have been here), alone or in a couple, who are travelling the world and using volunteering to cut costs and meet people. Another market for you.
As for the arrogant stuff, again, applies to all writers. Get over it! Take yourself out of the equation a bit if you must, and keep the focus on other people’s potential experience.
Possibly make the book a semi-workbook (or produce a companion book to go with it) asking questions of each month’s activity – checklists, pros and cons, benefits, how-to lists, tips and wrinkles, and room for the reader to make notes and plans.
Slay king! You can do this! Welcome to the next job, Writing™ (you should add that in your epilogue). It is a very funky project and it is indeed unusual, but there will be readers for it! You’re not arrogant for thinking people will be interested – people already are.
Re. challenging your thinking – it would be worth noting that this isn’t representative of the job hunt for most people, especially young adults. For me and everyone I know, job hunting has been an absolute nightmare spanning multiple months, several mental breakdowns, and a plethora of horrible recruiting/HR people. Networking is also not something we get taught to do and many of us find it too uncomfortable to start. So like, I hope I won’t read about how easy it is to get jobs and how Gen Z are just being whiny.
Papuci x
Thanks for your comments Lara. I read it when you posted it, of course, but didn’t think of replying until now. It’s interesting how ideas get planted by something you read but only come to fruition later.
Anyway, what I wanted to say was about your second point, i.e. what a nightmare it is to get a job these days and deal with those horrendous HR people whose job seems to make everyone miserable. Most of the jobs I got were just by asking people (networking) but I’m well aware that most people don’t do this as the kind of jobs I do (painting and decorating, cat sitting, gardening, junk clearance) are very short term whereas most people are looking for long term jobs. It is possible to find stability in a constant stream of short term jobs by building up a good reputation but this isn’t something I advocate as it requires a nomadic mindset, a backpackers mentality, that most people don’t have. So most of my 12 jobs were got by asking around and this works when you’re older as many of your friends will be in a position to hire, or know someone who’s looking for someone.
But I also had dealings with HR professionals and it was indeed a nightmare. I was recommended to three large NGOs by a film company (as a PR professional) but none of them even got back to me as they were suspicious of someone coming in to write about them. I suppose that’s good preventative PR and it’s interesting how none of the individuals or small companies (or the monastery) I worked with were bothered by this…And my last job of the year was with the PO and that involved dealing with the biggest HR company in the UK: Manpower, and I can assure you that dealing with them was a total nightmare.
Your comment is also a reminder that I mustn’t make it seem that getting a job is easy and that I look down on young people for whining. I certainly don’t think like that; I admire every young person for getting a job, and holding it, and especially those in shitty and/or badly paid jobs. Doing the kind of jobs I do gives me a lot of respect for people doing so-called shitty jobs.
Many people want a more flexible lifestyle so they can escape the 9-5 trap, so flexible employment is of increasing interest.
12 jobs in 12 months is definitely flexible!
Advice on how to get flexible employment is useful – the system doesn’t
like to give it as it wants to keep us entrapped.