Charles Collingwood: 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.

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Charles Collingwood

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Standing outside a pub in Acton on a freezing February day in a threadbare overcoat doing market research.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Melanie Blatt English singer

Horrible gigs at the beginning, when no one’s interested.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 July 2023 source ↗

About five years ago, I was in a play that was an unmitigated disaster. I had to rally the troops and go out every night.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Robert Carlyle Scottish actor

The worst was as a butcher, aged 17.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 February 2008 source ↗

Noel Clarke English actor and filmmaker

Cleaning the changing rooms at Kensington leisure centre from the age of 16.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 April 2021 source ↗

More from Charles Collingwood

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Question Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? Failure & regret

My first wife – we were too young.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗

Question Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them? Values & belief

Freddie Flintoff. He played cricket in the best spirit and in his series Field of Dreams, you could see the boys hanging on his every word. He’s a special guy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗

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

My childhood. I was an only child, happy and secure, and there was always plenty of time to play cricket.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

I talk too much.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

As a man who tried his best to entertain.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗

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

When my mother died in my arms, I feel I witnessed her spirit leaving her body, so let’s just wait and see.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗

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