There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job

Written by Kikuko Tsumura

Narrated by Cindy Kay

Convenience Store Woman meets The New Me in this strange, compelling, darkly funny tale about one woman's search for meaning in the modern workplace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media
• Translator: Polly Barton
• Release date: Apr 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781666546132

Kikuko Tsumura

Kikuko Tsumura is a writer from Osaka, Japan. She is the winner of the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize and numerous Japanese literary awards including the Akutagawa Prize, Noma Literary Prize, Dazai Osamu Prize, and a New Artist award.

Reviews for There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job

[janet filppula · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There were little mysteries at each job which made it very interesting. The writing is great and main character is very engaging. I am going to read other books by this author

[Catherine Mellert · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I totally loved this book. I found the main character to be so interesting and I feel like I could relate to whatever she was thinking. Did I even think she'd find herself an easy job? No, I never thought so but I wanted to join her in her journey to find one.

[Mira Carson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it, a great listen and I adore this narrator

[Paulina Zepeda · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Relatable story that follows a woman dealing with burnout and uncertainty. There’s always something we can learn and, while we don’t know what will happen next, we have to give it our all to whatever it is we’re doing – I loved the final message.

[Monica Mullane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story opens with a heroine whose past career is not revealed. Problems in that previous career have led her to seek non stressful work. Odd mysteries arise in each of the temporary jobs that she finds. These jobs are sometimes found with the assistance of an incredibly kind woman at an employment agency. The Japanese social structure (unknown to me) combines with the unusual types of work to give an almost dreamlike feeling at times. The book manages to be funny while still treating all the characters respectfully. Highly recommended!

[Sanni Spring-Kirk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A easy calm listen. Cute little stories and calming reader for when you want something soothing and simple

[Renee Schalkerp · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was my favorite audio book that I listened to in 2023. The story is so quietly joyful despite its constant reminders of the absurdity of working life. I can only hope that more of the writer’s work is translated soon. That said, Cindy Kay brings so much to her reading that I sought out more of her work. She’s a brilliant narrator and I’ve enjoyed discovering new books this way.

[Kathleen Smeltzer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I would give this book to anyone experiencing burnout. Changed my life for the better.

[S Bakkurt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As someone in between jobs this book really resonated with me. It’s an easy read with enough intrigue and good characters. Gave me courage to go back to work place and made me feel okay about failing.

[emma · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a great book for when you just need a bit of quiet. No drama or scandal, just a peak into someone else’s life