Bullshit Jobs: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Bullshit Jobs, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Many workers find their jobs pointless
Graeber argues that a large number of people work in jobs they themselves believe serve no real purpose.
If these jobs disappeared, the workers say, the world would be no worse off, yet they must pretend otherwise.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Flunkies make others look important
Graeber describes flunkies, jobs that exist mainly to make someone else look or feel important, such as unnecessary receptionists or assistants.
Their presence is a status symbol. Importance is shown through staff.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Goons exist because others have them
Goons are jobs that exist only because competitors also employ them, such as some corporate lawyers or marketers.
Their work cancels out others' efforts. It is an arms race. Both sides lose.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Duct tapers fix avoidable problems
Duct tapers solve problems that should not exist, patching up faults in systems that could be fixed properly.
Their work is a symptom of poor organisation. Real fixes are avoided.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Box tickers fake action
Box tickers produce paperwork and reports that let organisations claim they are doing something.
Little real change results. Reports pile up while real problems remain unsolved, and staff know it.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Taskmasters supervise without need
Taskmasters assign work to people who do not need supervision, or create unnecessary tasks.
Graeber argues they add layers of management. Supervision becomes an end in itself, not a service to anyone.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Pointless work causes harm
Graeber argues that doing meaningless work causes spiritual violence, damaging people's sense of purpose.
Many feel depressed or anxious. Workers feel trapped and ashamed of work they cannot respect. Meaning matters.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Society could value work differently
Graeber suggests that society undervalues useful jobs like caregiving while rewarding pointless ones.
He discusses basic income as a possible solution. Paying useful workers so little, he argues, is a strange and unjust pattern.
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