L’expression bullshit jobs was theorized in an eponymous work dating from 2018, by David Graeber, an American anthropologist.
This one doesn’t beat around the bush: a stupid job corresponds to ” a job if meaningless that even the person who carries it out day after day cannot find a single valid reason to do so », he writes.
And to continue: “ these jobs are characterized by the fact that their disappearance would make absolutely no difference. »
A feeling
Among the many examples he cites in his book, Graeber mentions the fields of finance and consulting but not only since these bullshits jobs would not only concern so-called jobs qualified…
It also reports the case of subcontractors of subcontractors of subcontractors, in the field of services, for example…
« In any case, it is indeed a feeling », reports clinical psychologist Maria Hejnar, who therefore evokes an aspect “ subjective ».
To explain this phenomenon, Graeber calls hierarchy into question. In his eyes, these jobs would exist above all “ to satisfy the desire for control and domination of managers, in a logic that is not capitalist but feudal », expresses Luc Courtot in the magazine Work and Employment.
Maria Hejnar says: « these professions effectively respond to a need of the hierarchical superior to enhance his own image, to give himself importance ».
“Stupid” work
Beyond words, this expression hides a real suffering at work. « Many negative feelings can thus surface », continues the clinical psychologist.
She cites in particular “ a lack of meaning and purpose, a feeling of dissatisfaction, which can lead to a drop in motivation and a complete absence of intellectual stimulation. It’s kind of mind-numbing! »
This daily routine is likely to lead to potentially serious psychological repercussions : « anxiety disorders, depression and even loss of self-confidence ».
And all the more so since in many cases, “ the person feels obliged to pretend, anxious that people will discover that their work is indeed useless and that in the end, they will lose it… », explains Maria Hejnar.
Work on self-confidence
L’issue ? « A system to change “, she smiles because “ We are here faced with signs that society is not going well… » On an individual level, « it’s leaving, changing jobs. But it’s not easy because very often, people no longer even have enough confidence in themselves to think that they are capable of doing anything else. ».
The first step is often to open up to a psychologist. Then work on self-confidence in order to find the resources to look towards other professional horizons. More rewarding.
