Juliet Stevenson: What is the worst job you have ever had?

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.

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I worked in a supermarket on the Kings Road when I was 17, standing by the beers, wines and spirits to make sure people didn’t shoplift. They were such horrible employers that I didn’t care whether people shoplifted or not.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 May 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Julie Hesmondhalgh English actress and narrator

I cleaned for a very posh lady in Knightsbridge who made me handwash her knickers. I’d advertised myself in The Lady as a dog walker, so I’m not sure how I ended up there.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 17 February 2018 source ↗

Daryl McCormack Irish actor

I once had to dress up as [fast food chain] Supermac’s bunny during a St Patrick’s Day parade and shake people’s hands. Kids kept trying to take off my gloves and punching my bunny head. It was awful.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 February 2023 source ↗

Paul McKenna British hypnotist and TV personality

I was a Harrods store detective for a day. I was so bad at it, one of the other detectives thought I looked suspicious and reported me.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 January 2023 source ↗

John Waters American filmmaker

I worked in a unisex clothes store for three days. Girls would say, 'Do I look fat in this?' I'd say, 'Yes.' I was fired.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 13 September 2008 source ↗

More from Juliet Stevenson

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Question What would you most want to leave your children? Death & what remains

A deep sense that they will be fine in the world without me.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 May 2026 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Impulsive, enthusiastic, determined.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 May 2026 source ↗

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

I vowed never to marry, but we got married as soon as we could after lockdown. I used to think it was patriarchal but when same-sex marriage became legal, I thought: OK, great, this institution has finally changed.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 May 2026 source ↗