Get a Proper Job!

I was daydreaming today about the phrase “get a proper job.” Perhaps someone had shouted it at me in the street.

It’s used to create a distinction between playful or artistic pursuits and hard or boring graft.

If we must suffer that distinction, perhaps we should start talking about the “improper” jobs. Steel yourself to insults and become a troubadour if you want to.

Apparently, a non-proper job is “risky” and a proper job stable. But what are you risking exactly? If it’s defeat you’re worried about, a proper job’s not going to help. In a proper job, you’ve already lost.

You might as well take a chance doing what you like. Be prepared for defeat, but with a chance of success.

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