Johannes Radebe: What is the worst job you have ever had? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the worst job you have ever had?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's long-running Q&A repeatedly asks this standing question, with minor tense variation.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

JR

Johannes Radebe

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

In South Africa I washed cars, I danced in parking lots and shopping malls, and was a children’s entertainer.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Irvine Welsh Scottish novelist

Laying down slabs for the council.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 December 2016 source ↗

Kevin Rowland British singer

I worked in the stores of Edgware hospital when I was about 17, and it was grey and depressing.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 August 2025 source ↗

Martin Sheen American actor

That would have to be a film called Pickup On 101. It was a very interesting story, about a wandering musician and an old guy on his way back to his home town to spend his last days, but they made it into a pile of dishonest trash.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 March 2017 source ↗

Working in farming in Somerset at 18, there were elements that were awful, and they were all really edifying. I mean, feeding chickens in sleet was hard work but I am so glad I did it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 February 2026 source ↗

More from Johannes Radebe

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Question What do you believe happens when we die? Death & what remains

I would like to believe that you reunite with the people you love the most.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Question What accomplishment matters most to you? Craft & work

Building my mum her dream home.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

When my trousers split on stage in Burn the Floor in Australia. I had always been warned to wear my flesh underwear and I did not that day.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

When my UK citizenship was approved. It’s taken me eight years and lots and lots of money. I was at home in South Africa when I received the news and my mum said, “I am so happy for you because this is your glitterball.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Question What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

I’ll never amount to anything. Who? He was my rival at dance school. It hurt and is something that I’ve always had in the back of my head to defy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Question When did you last change your mind about something important? Change of mind

I almost pulled out of my first solo tour because of impostor syndrome.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

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