undefined | Better HN

0 pointsthemacguffinman4y ago0 comments

I can certainly understand how one can derive meaning from a trade or profession, but I would find it difficult to believe that anyone could really do that for menial jobs like a cashier or warehouse packer. These jobs are dead ends, they don't have a meaningful spectrum of quality and you're little more than a warm body.

A comedian (David Mitchell) once joked that he's proud of the UK's terrible service reputation. It doesn't seem honest or appropriate for service staff to be so happy and enthusiastic, why would they be? There's very little to be happy about.

0 comments

4 comments · 2 top-level

airstrike4y ago· 2 in thread

> A comedian (David Mitchell) once joked that he's proud of the UK's terrible service reputation. It doesn't seem honest or appropriate for service staff to be so happy and enthusiastic, why would they be? There's very little to be happy about.

I remember watching this episode on TV but I haven't the faintest idea what the show was called... though it was incredibly funny

themacguffinmanOP4y ago

He said this particular thing on QI, a British panel show: https://youtu.be/E9PSg0sQyfs

uhhyeahdude4y ago

I believe it was called “Peep Show”, and if you enjoy the style, I highly recommend “That Mitchell and Webb Look”

rednerrus4y ago

The only way to make those jobs manageable is to create some sense of meaning and mastery out of them. You're always striving to do a little bit better job. You remind yourself of the importance of what you're doing. If you have a good manager, they're trying to find ways to give you autonomy in what you're doing.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse