Arlene Phillips: What is the worst job you have done? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the worst job you have done?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's long-running Q&A repeatedly asks this standing question, with minor tense variation.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

AP

Arlene Phillips

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

In a Dagenham factory at 6am, picking soldiers’ greatcoats from wars around the world to sell at the market in Chelsea. I smelled like mothballs, and no one would come near me.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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I worked in a Helms Bakery assembly line that separated egg whites from the yolks and from time to time a box of rotten eggs would come through. Need I say more?

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

Bill Bailey Comedian and musician

Telesales. I refused to wear a tie, but my argument that “They can’t see what we’re wearing” didn’t wash with the manager and I lasted a week.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 October 2016 source ↗

Edith Bowman Scottish radio DJ and television presenter

When I was a kid I was a chambermaid in my family’s hotel, and I once found a strap-on that someone had left behind.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 February 2021 source ↗

Peyton Manning American football quarterback

it was my first job.

Recorded American Academy of Achievement interview, 22 June 2007 source ↗

More from Arlene Phillips

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Question What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Time & hindsight

Life is never fair.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

Question Which living person do you most admire, and why? Values & belief

Carlos Acosta, for his incredible achievement in dance.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 October 2010 source ↗

Question When were you happiest? Time & hindsight

Each time I gave birth.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 October 2010 source ↗

Question Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought? Money & investment

A Biba dress when I really couldn’t afford it. It was every scrap of my money and I’ve never parted with it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

Question What would you like to be remembered for? Death & what remains

Kind, thoughtful and gave damn good advice.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

Question How would you describe yourself in three words? Identity & self

Loving, creative, demanding.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

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