Job Junky
by Rudy Ridolfo


"One evening while drinking alone I suddenly remembered what the lifelong condo security guard said to me that day. During one of his nasty moods, he said: ‘What the hell d’you know about workin?'"

In this book, readers discover an honest, personal portrayal of the working world. Inspired by a moment of misunderstanding between the author and a lifelong security guard, this book dives into the author’s employment history. It opens with the author’s experience of working as a grocery store clerk. Readers follow the author through his various careers, which include working on a sewage snake truck, working in a factory, gaining roles as a lead actor, and even being a roofing laborer.

Each and every experience shared in this book challenges readers to think about how they define and accept work in their own lives. The author’s personal experiences are varied. Thus, they allow readers of any professional background to find a commonality with the author. The author also opens a discussion about how performing on the job is a form of acting and a type of performance art. One of the most useful pieces of advice the author gives readers is that, after reflecting on his work experiences, there’s no “reasoning, only compromise.” This statement reiterates the sacrifices individuals make in order to earn a living.

The book also shows how working a multitude of jobs in various fields can make an individual not only an interesting person with a wide skill set but also a lifelong learner. For anyone struggling to understand what professional path they want to pursue, this book is an insightful, humorous, and engaging guide to what it means to be a person and an employee. The author also reminds readers that “Most people don’t really talk about it, but everyone has a story.” The experiences Ridolfo shares in this book encourage readers to reflect and share theirs.

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