Job Hopper: The Checkered Career of a Down-Market Dilettante

Review by Courtney S. Ries

You know that strange, asinine feeling of gosh-isn't-the-world-small excitement that you get when you meet someone from your hometown while you're on the road? For me, reading Ayun Halliday's new book Job Hopper: The Checkered Career of a Down-Market Dilettante instilled the same sense of giddiness. As a graduate of the same university, I reacted with demented road-glee upon learning of this coincidence. Even more enjoyable was her recounting of work at restaurants and places I knew and frequented - I expect other north side Chicagoans will feel the same way.

This coincidence aside, Halliday's recountings of her numerous - and varied - jobs were a pleasure to read. Most adults can relate to her dealings with troublesome customers, meddling bosses and jobs where you wished your shift was over before it even began. Granted, Halliday's foray into dressing like a Sesame Street character, nude modeling and costume design may be a bit unusual, but as she's quick to point out, her university degree in theatre must be good for something.

Despite the scary academia-and-economics entrenched title, dilettante is the biggest word in the book. Readers will discover Job Hopper a quick read - Halliday writes in a laid-back, personable style as she combines narrative and dialogue to provide the reader with a sense of what it must have been like telling customers "I'm sorry, but I cannot facilitate a sexual release for you," or being classified as "not-FOA - Front Office Appearance". The humorous essays are long enough to get a "feel" of the job, but short enough that the reader doesn't get as bored as Halliday during her tenure as a museum security guard.

The book is arranged via a series of essays, each one relating to a different job. Because of the neat-and-tidy organization (a trait the author herself claims never to have possessed), each of the essays could stand alone. Halliday does manage to loosely tie them together by referencing previously mentioned positions and characters, although I found this to be unnecessary.

Just like her work, some writings are more interesting than others, and a few of the snippets end abruptly. Her tone can fall a bit flat, as she is susceptible to repeating phrases. These caveats aside, the book is a perfect for any job-hopper bent on avoiding all real work...and should be mandatory reading for anyone considering a theatre major.

• Job Hopper: The Checkered Career of a Down-Market Dilettante by Ayun Halliday