Mid-career, and the decade in which people are most often asked what their job actually consists of.
25 people · 1,190 answers
Actor and film-maker; host of the Armchair Expert podcast
Recorded · The Tim Ferriss Show · 2020
I would always be tempted to take a movie I liked less if the payday was twice as much, and I’ve interviewed a couple people that grew up with wealth and I’ve watched them navigate their…
Film director; Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, Black Swan
Recorded · The Tim Ferriss Show · 2018
I think I’ve always been jealous of musicians. You hear the story where Bob Dylan wrote a song in the afternoon and it became the anthem for a generation.
Prime Minister of New Zealand, 2017–2023; Leader of the Labour Party 2017–2023
Recorded · Harvard Magazine · 2022
Recently I had the privilege of joining ex German Chancellor, Angela Merkel on a panel. I have long been in awe of her leadership, not least for her endurance. She was in power for 16 years.
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this standing prompt, with minor contractions and word-order variation.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
English actress and presenter
Recorded · The Guardian · 2018
A birthday present I hoped would mean a lot to the person. I had their family history researched and a book made.
Recorded · The Guardian · 2024
My short film, Scrubber, in 2011. At that time in my life it seemed easier to pay for it myself than to apply for funds.
Scottish comedian
Recorded · The Guardian · 2018
A Tiffany watch for my wife. The security guard was following us, so I deliberately bought a really expensive watch to prove we had money. I don’t think I’ve seen her wear it.
English actor
Recorded · The Guardian · 2020
A Chanel dress. I bought it with my first proper paycheck and it was ridiculously expensive. It is also hideous.
English actor
Recorded · The Guardian · 2017
Our campervan. It’s fully kitted out, sleeps four and lowers down, so we can get in and out easily.
Singer and songwriter; co-lead vocalist of Scissor Sisters
Recorded · The Guardian · 2021
A Henry Darger painting. Sadly, I lost it in the divorce, but it was a great parting gift.
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
This is a standing question in The Guardian's decades-long The Q&A and also recurs independently in career and life interviews.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
Scottish actress and narrator
Recorded · The Guardian · 2017
I did want to be an actor from an early age although I briefly dabbled with the idea of being a vet until I realised you had to stick your hand up a cow’s arse.
Stem cell biologist; Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, 2012
Recorded · Academy of Achievement · 2008
I was born in Osaka, Japan. It was 45 years ago. My father has a small factory in Osaka, and we lived next to his factory
American actress
Recorded · The Guardian · 2019
I wanted to make women’s clothing. I also said that I wanted to be an artist; I don’t think I ever said I wanted to be an actress, but I remember thinking that would be fun.
Recorded · The Guardian · 2025
I wanted to be in the WWF – the wrestling one, not the wildlife one.
British singer
Recorded · The Guardian · 2021
An English teacher, and then a dance teacher.
Recorded · The Guardian · 2026
A comedian or the guy who drives the little truck around airports that takes old ladies to their gate.
Anita Rani, Bear Grylls, Brandi Carlile, Chris Hoy, Dawn O’Porter, Felicity Jones, Helen Skelton, Hugh Skinner, Justin Hawkins, Kerry Godliman, Mellody Hobson, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Omid Djalili, Philippa Dunne, Robert Carlyle, Romola Garai, Sarah Perry, Seann Walsh, Serena Williams, Shinya Yamanaka, Shirley Manson, Siobhán McSweeney, Steve Jobs, Tom Fletcher, Zack Polanski