So you wake up on Monday morning and think, I don't fancy going into work today, I'd rather have a duvet day. Well you clearly don't realise how lucky you are, because not so long ago, in the Victorian era, UK jobs were pretty tedious. From tanning to being a child labourer we shall be looking at some of the worst professions that have occurred in the UK when the Victorians were in charge. Perhaps it will make you think twice the next time you moan about your profession, as you clearly don't realise how lucky we are today!
One of the first worst UK jobs that were available in the 1800's was the tanning industry that involved the conversion of sheep and cattle hides into leather. Sounds better than it actually was, unless of course standing all day in barn full of rotting flesh takes your fancy. With an early start you would have been expected to spend your entire day de-hairing and de-fleshing rotting animals surrounded by all the natural mess and smells that would be included in your job. It is also worth considering that the rank pool of animal parts wouldn't be cleaned for months would just be your daily exposure of bacteria. Delightful.
If that job doesn't sound too appealing perhaps you would have preferred a job cleaning engines during Britain's industrial revolution. A small man in Victorian time would have had the UK's jobs dream of clambering into the pot-hole like spaces of locomotives. Surrounded by complete darkness your task would be to clean out all of the ash and keep the fires roaring, before being allowed a small break in the inspection pits clearing out the ash pans. This would therefore probably make you appreciate your cramped and hot times stuck in the fire box.
Lastly if these UK jobs in the 1800's aren't filling you with inspiration you could have been a child during this miserable time. Children had jobs such as cleaning chimneys at the age of five which ensured their skin became almost leather-like in appearance and made them susceptible to all kinds of health problems. Oh and did we mention after all your years of training and expertise, you would then grow too large to keep your job? Yes the career prospects are better than the job itself.
Still not sure what career to settle for? Do not fear there were many other equally damaging jobs available to you, perhaps you could become a local rat catcher? Or simply a scavenger? All wonderful jobs full of unhappy perils and illness, don't expect a sympathetic boss either or financial gain. As you will probably still remain well and truly on the poverty line and live for each day of back-breaking work.
The next time you pause as your alarm goes off at a reasonable hour, remember how lucky we are to have the work system we have now in the UK. As it wasn't too long ago you would have been in a far worst off situation, with no benefits or insurance to protect your life. UK jobs have now never been so good...
Author Resource:-
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in British Victorian history
Find out more about UK Jobs and how the services available can help you with finding a job.
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