Summary Of Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs

Although each of the four of the individuals featured in the book Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs experienced distinct circumstances, each of them shared the similar value that work yields success. It was through each of their perspectives and attitudes towards this belief that distinguished their stories from one another. Both Javier Lopez and Mike Jackson detested their current jobs yet remained ambitious and hopeful to obtain success. While Michelle Passoff and Rose Collins have worked in jobs they deem undesirable and feel that they are now in a position in their careers that they consider success. Despite the various backgrounds and jobs that each of these individuals had, they each possessed an idea of success, which essentially …show more content…
Lopez hopes to achieve wealth, Jackson aspires to have a job he could enjoy, Collins finds her career exhilarating, and Passoff appreciates the gratification she receives from her career. Coming from a family who has had financial struggles and values diligence and sacrifice, I agree with Lopez’s work ethic and persistence to attain wealth, though he seems obsessed with the pride that comes from affluence. I believe that success can only be achieved through dedication and resilience. In Jackson’s situation, he has a clear interpretation of success for himself yet does not act upon his desires, he only ponders them. I also feel that I would not be able to work in a career that would prompt me to question my morality, such as Collins feels when she manipulates other corporation’s efforts to hire an employee. It seems as if to help someone she must inconvenience others. Although, I do agree with her attitude toward her career in the sense that it has always given her excitement. From reading all four of the individual stories, I agree most with Michelle Passoff’s perspective towards success because she earned a job that she enjoys that involves service to