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This weekend is Labor Day, which honors the contributions of laborers in the United States. But before that, let’s TAKE SOME SHOTS at some of our LEAST essential workers.
Someone asked the internet, “What is the most USELESS job that people are paid for?” And here are the most popular responses:
1. Reaction videos, or even “reaction videos OF reaction videos.” Not all of these people are PAID for this content, but if you have a big enough following on social media, your account is probably monetized to some degree.
2. Influencing. This is any content online that people are PAID to promote to their followers: Actual ads, “hidden” ads, demonstrations, and reviews.
3. Multi-level marketing. A lot of people THINK they’re running their own “business.” But for many, MLMs ends up standing for “Most lose money.” Not to mention friends . . . who get tired of being pitched products.
4. Politicians (especially the old ones) . . . and similarly, televangelists.
5. Telemarketers. Most people don’t like being solicited and harassed.
6. Life coaches. Usually THEY are the ones that need it most.
7. Security guards. With technology today, a lot of security guards are employed just to DETER shady activity. And in many cases, there’s nothing they can do even if there was an issue.
8. Bathroom attendants. Fancy places have them to hand people stuff and make the place feel luxurious. Sketchy places have them to discourage people from doing cocaine. Either way, no one wants to encounter (or tip) them.
9. Motivational speakers. Someone said, “They’re just recycling clichés and charging big money to say ‘believe in yourself.'”
10. Sign spinners. Someone said, “Do the store owners really think I’ll go to their place because some guy is holding a sign on the corner?”
One person joked, “I’m just here to make sure my job isn’t on the list.”
There were some popular answers that DON’T totally fit. Like:
CEOs. Many of them are grossly overpaid, but they’re not “useless.”
Walmart (and other store) greeters. It’s intended to be a mostly useless job, usually for someone older . . . but it can be a nice contact point for some guests, right when they walk in.
Doorpeople. Like security guards, it’s mostly just appearances. Some just push a button to open an automatic door. But they can be useful: Keeping unwelcome people from entering . . . signing for packages . . . and giving people a hand.
