London – Potential employees are advertising for the job of their dreams at the Alternative Job Centre set up by the School of Life. Throughout April, they may submit a description of themselves and their fantasy role; potential employers sift through the notices and decide if they can offer the position. The launch of the job centre coincides with the publication of Alain de Botton’s new book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work.
Current adverts include ‘Asker of Awkward Unanswerable Philosophical Questions’, ‘Kept Woman’ and ‘Vacation Tester’. Despite the humorous approach of these want ads, the concept of employees calling the shots reflects the growing power of consumers as recession forces brands and businesses to reconsider their approach and their offering.