PJ
Pressing uniforms in a laundry. I was 14. I lied about my age and said I was 16, even though I probably looked about 12.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 February 2020 source ↗
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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Others on this question
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Rose McGowan
American actress and activist
When I was 15, I conned my way into an office job at a company that represented makers of breast implants. The manager had a wart on the end of her tongue that she’d push against her teeth, making a very specific sound.
Charles Dance
British actor
Treating a flock of sheep for foot rot when I was a farm labourer.
Steph McGovern
Broadcaster
I used to be an ear-piercing specialist when I was 16, and had to pierce babies’ ears. It was horrendous. I had to practise on my friends – several have misplaced piercings.
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.
More from Paterson Joseph
View profile →A private detective.
I wouldn’t live so long in France. After eight years, I came back to London.
When my son was about three years old and I was working at the National Theatre. I remember cycling from Twickenham, and thinking, “This is the golden age: I’ll never be happier or more content than this.”
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