12 Jobs in 12 Months
A travel book, a memoir, a cast of characters, a collection of sometimes farcical stories. Designed and published by Jim Hutcheson (Stone Book Press) in June 2026.
Why did I write this book?
The personal computer, the internet and now Ai were all supposed to make things simpler and less bureaucratic, but the opposite has happened. Applying for a job today has never been so complicated, disheartening and, in most cases, pointless. It's easy to plunge into despair. I wrote this book to show that it really is possible to get hired on the basis of a reputation for hard work and reliability. For me, the key has been networking, humility and the desire to help people.
Book summary
This is a travel book about doing what every long term traveller must do to sustain his/her journey--get jobs.
It's a story of hustling for work, juggling opportunities, getting rejected, travelling all over the place (UK, Europe and India), and observing people, situations and places.
From the Foreword
"It’s a refreshing new take on how you can begin to believe that sorting your life out, or breathing fresh life back into your existence needn’t be so hard. Rupert shows us that you can learn on the job and work for your dinner. The only one stopping you might be you." Steve Harvey, Travel Artist
Pre-Publication Feedback
"I really enjoyed your manuscript! A great idea, amusing, informative, interesting…" Almira Delibegovic-Broome, KC
"If you ever feel bored or trapped in your job this is the book for you. Follow Rupert's inquisitive and adventurous spirit and find the confidence to live a life you never thought possible. Only Rupert can make shovelling elephant shit sound like a positive career move. I'm always grateful for his advice 'if it scares and excites it's probably the right thing to do.'" Toby Gough, Theatre Director (Mumbai and Havana)
"The 12 jobs you managed to take on, for 12 months, is just remarkable…I imagine it wasn’t a smooth ride all the time…I’ve got a question for you: How did you manage to keep this project going for so long?" Gabi Poiaru, webmaster and IT Consultant
Author Statement
"Most people my age have settled down, and that's fine if they're happy. But I'm a nomad, journeyman and busker-writer.
"I want to show that you can start again in life -- as long as you have humility and courage.
"As I ran from job to job I kept asking myself: "How can I sustain this for a whole year?"
"I worked in England, Scotland, Wales, India, Romania, Switzerland and Ukraine, and described how I got each job.
"I organised a funeral, published a book, broke the law, shovelled elephant shit and worked as a Christmas postman. I got fired twice and came across some bizarre characters."