BS Jobs

Job Types

David Graeber introduces a classification system for what he terms 'bullshit jobs,' which includes categories like duct tapers, taskmasters, and goons. Duct tapers are roles that exist to address problems without solving them, as illustrated by a university worker whose job was to apologize for delayed repairs rather than fix the issue 1. Taskmasters, on the other hand, create unnecessary tasks for others, often in middle management positions 2.

A taskmaster is a type of bullshit job which involves...supervisor of people who don't need supervision.

--- David Graeber

Goons are roles that exist only because other organizations have them, highlighting the absurdity of some corporate structures 2.

   

Impact

The prevalence of 'bullshit jobs' is surprisingly high, with surveys indicating that 37% to 40% of workers believe their jobs are pointless 3. These roles are often prestigious and well-paid, yet they leave employees feeling unfulfilled and living a lie 4.

People wrote in from all over the world saying, help, I'm stuck in a B's job.

--- David Graeber

Graeber's insights reveal a significant disconnect between job prestige and personal fulfillment, suggesting a need for reevaluating the purpose of work in modern society.