This darkly humorous novel follows an unnamed protagonist who, burned out from her previous career, seeks a job that requires "as close to zero thought as possible." She takes on a series of bizarre and increasingly surreal jobs—a surveillance gig, writing trivia for a radio show, pasting posters, and more—each offering strange and unexpected experiences. As she drifts from one task to another, she begins to question the nature of work, identity, and fulfillment in modern society. With dry wit and subtle melancholy, There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job explores burnout, capitalism, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

Why Read This Book

• A thought-provoking and humorous critique of modern work culture and burnout.
• Offers an engaging, slow-burn narrative filled with absurdist humor and deep reflection.
• Captures the feeling of aimlessness and existential questioning in contemporary life.
• A beautifully written novel by one of Japan’s rising literary stars.

About the Author

Kikuko Tsumura is an acclaimed Japanese writer known for her sharp, witty explorations of work and identity. She has won several literary awards in Japan, including the prestigious Akutagawa Prize. Her works often focus on themes of labor, exhaustion, and alienation in contemporary society.