What jobs are worthless?

or; inquiring minds want to know.

from JoeUser Forums
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?
philosophy
23,505 views 31 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Wal Mart Greeter.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
I stand corrected.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hey, Wal-Mart greeters also glance at your receipt before you walk out the door.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
Ha, the Wal-Mart greeters where you are are a lot different than the ones here.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
And hey, SC, if it doesn't work out, Wal-Mart greeter.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hmmm...I don't consider any jobs worthless...
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
I agree with those who have said no job is worthless. If it is providing someone with an income instead of being unemployed and on welfare, then what is worthless about any job. Tex, your job is the most important one in the world, as far as I'm concerned.
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
Tex, your job is the most important one in the world, as far as I'm concerned.


Well spoken. I agree.
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
Often, it's at best maligned, at worst ridiculed


Probably by those incapable of getting one ......

A job is only worthless if you feel it is - who cares what others think. Dont join the sheep, be the sheep herder.
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.


yeah, ummm, geez I can't think of a sarcastic remark that even comes close to good enough for this one.
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
Liberal arts major.


I'm not sure anyone could do that as an actual job without being 'of independent means', in which case their real job is being fatcat aristocrats.
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
How's about a bodyguard for a major drug dealer? They may pay you but their couldn't realistically pay you enough for your life and besides they must think your worthless if they would rather you die than them. Just a thought.

I don't know much about your major, but if it's something that can be studied and paid for and will get you a job in the future, then by all means someone thinks it's important and worthy enough of a paycheck and considering all the time and money you have put into it I figure it pays pretty good as well, right?

There's nothing funnier than a person insulting someone for having or studying to get a job in a country where it is claimed to be jobless or at least lacking of good jobs.
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
BTW, this is my first read and reply in the philosophy section of JU. And I thought i would never understand anything here,
Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top

I can sort of sympathize.  When I was in undergrad people often asked me what I would do with a worthless biology degree if I didn't make it into medical school. 

In the end, if you are doing what you love, it is worth something to the most important person: yourself.

Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top
Um, let me think. You are choosing a profession teaching what may very well become America's second language. Kinda like going into computers before every one had one isn't it?

I can only see the demand for Spanish teachers growing....but that's me.

Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top
I saw a study recently (sorry, I'm a bad person and can't remember exactly where or I would reference it) that said that people who do what they love are more likely to be successful (including money wise) than people who just go in to a career to make fast money.

Don't let others get you down. As it has been pointed out, do your homework and know if it is really a viable field. As long as there is a job where you can support yourself, don't give up!