Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

My most misfit job: Letter turner for Wheel-of-Fortune. Besides the fact that Vanna White will never die, I am extremely clumsy. Walking back and forth in high heels (in front of a studio audience) countless times a show would be my recipe for disaster. But wearing those dresses might be fun.

Like, Paul, I'd be a pretty poor lifeguard -- the sunburn would require medical attention by the end of day one.

My *worst* job, though, would probably be Drill Sergeant. I can't raise my voice without screaming and my posture isn't particularly soldierly -- most damning of all, though, is my overwhelming urge to peek down alleys and wander off the path at every opportunity. Drum Major would be a mistake for the same reason.

Once I got a gold star taken off my chart at Applebee's for taking one fry off a plate. I had just pulled a double shift with no lunch break, people! Come on.

Since taste-testing frys is apparently looked down upon, I've decided it would be an unfortunate career decision if I were to ever work at Bojangles...king of the perfectly seasoned fry.

I'd be a terrible talk show host. I hate having to deliver witty conversation on demand and can go absolutely mush-brained under the pressure to perform.

One of my first jobs in high school was a waitress at a retirement community. Given my clumsy and loud nature, it was probably not the best fit. My managers hated me, but the residents really liked me. I only lasted about 6 months.

Well, I've considered switching careers to be a cupcake shop owner. But unfortunately, there's a strong possibility that my love of cupcakes would eat too much into the profit margins. (Pun definitely intended.) And the cupcake disaster would surely end my dreams of being America's Next Top Model. Then there's my aspiration to become an intergalactic diplomat. But since the aliens aren't exactly in a chatty mood just yet, I guess I'll stick with my day job.

I could definitely never be a receptionist. I can't multi task to that extent. Too much coming and going and you're expected to be nice and helpful all the while! I tried it once and I disconnected more people than I helped.

Despite my love of big hair music and all things rock-related (and my brief stint as a band geek in middle school), I have to admit that I am chronically tone deaf and my most misfit job would be lead singer in a band. Not that I wouldn't want to give it a shot, though!!

Rock and Roll all Night and Party Every Day!!

According to my husband, nursing would have been a bad choice for me. Apparently, I'm not nice enough to him when he's sick.

Contrary to what some may believe, I was once a Cab driver in Iowa City. While I did grab 5 speeding tickets in the year I was employed, and popped the front axle while taking a "short-cut" it turns out, I am an okay driver.

I believe my misfit job is road crew superintendent. I cannot stand people loafing around. The thought of standing around in a hunter orange vest devouring donuts and bad coffee waiting for people to work haunts me.

Mine's easy: beach lifeguard.

I hate sand, sunburn in seconds, I'm not such a great swimmer and I get distracted really easily.

Also, no wireless out there.

I guess I don't clean enough around the house because my wife thinks I'd be a horrible janitor, but there's something very empowering with carrying around all those keys.

Given my personality (an introvert in the original sense), being a UX designer is probably my misfit job. But it's also the one that's the most rewarding because I get to go outside myself and interrogate people about how they see the world.