by Amanda Blake

Created on: March 18, 2009

Is it wrong if you were to ask a robot to do the all of mundane jobs we hate? Maybe if something is not aware of having a sense of boredom, through having no emotions, it's not wrong because that individual is unaware of the dull nature of their work. A robot might happily sit at their place tapping out numbers for hour upon hour. Unfortunately for humans though, it's impossible to switch off that knowledge and continue working as a happy little automaton. A nice and safe "steady" job might have been enough for our parents or grandparents, in a time when remaining in the same position or type of role for years was not unusual. The notion of a career, where you move around different roles, seems alien to someone like that whereas to me staying in the same position for years on end seems like a new form of torture. Maybe with the way things are at present, thousands being laid off apparently on a daily basis, a steady job would seem to be ideal. Then again, if you are sacrificing your job satisfaction and ambition for the sake of a monthly pay cheque, maybe it's not so great after all. If someone asked me to describe my current role as a film, it would have to be Groundhog Day except without a happy ending. Day in and day out, a monotonous continuation of paperwork and dull routine. If you think it sounds boring, try living it.

Consequently, I want to get out. Escape from the every day repetitiveness that passes for work. Unfortunately it's not quite so easy putting that idea into practice. Money, bills and other grown up commitments need to be met. T mobile, Visa and the like are hardly going to stop demanding payments so that you can go off and fulfil your dream. Nor is your rent going to magically be put on hold so that you can save money. In editorial, at least for those attempting to start out, the vast majority of positions seem to be unpaid internships. Actually, that's not strictly true. You do often get paid some expenses, which equates to perhaps travel and a contribution for lunch. Some placements don't even cover that. Maybe if you are 16 and living with your parents, without bills or expenses, it can be viable. When you're 25 plus and have responsibilities i.e. phone bills and other expenses, it's not so easy. Maybe a part time job is the answer, working evenings and weekends to earn some money. Thing is, if you're working five days a week, then again on the weekends and evenings, when do you get a break? Working 24/7 without a rest may be alright

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