WorkingNow

After 30 years of working with high risk populations, Bryant hung up his hat as a social worker, put on a top hat, and began serenading hundreds of commuters a week. He calls singing his "true profession." Produced by Katie McMurran in Oakland, CA.

"When From A Long Distant Past Nothing Subsists": James Craven, the resident archivist at Les Senteurs, London’s original specialist perfumery shop, and a world authority on fragrance. James’s life has been spent, in his own words, ‘immersed in scent’. Here, he talks through some of the experiences that have led him to where he is today and shares with us some of the scents that have stood out for him. Produced by Jo Barratt http://lifeinscents.com

Amy Gastelum is a public health nurse making daily home visits to areas of Brooklyn where crime is still common. Some of Amy's friends and family worry about her safety as she uses public transportation and walking to travel between clients. But Amy has discovered that there is a price for the fear that others want her to feel. Listen to more of her work on PRX.

Jeremy Smith grew up in his family's plumbing supply business, Central Arizona Supply. Listen as he describes his youthful departure from the family business, his return, and his attempt to put his own unique stamp on what the company has to offer. Produced by Liz Massey

To some jobs, you wear a suit and shiny shoes. To this one, you wear a corset and white face paint. A woman named Tabitha makes her living standing absolutely still in Harvard Square, MA. There are some strings attached. When she spoke for this piece, she hadn't said a word for two and a half hours. http://www.prx.org/pieces/68948

For some, freelance gigs trump full-time jobs. Hiring is down, and self-employment is up. Audrey Quinn finds two people who’ve found creative ways to work for themselves, with financial success.

Reposted with permission from American Public Media's The Story: Sean Cole brings us the stories of day laborers as they repair homes that were flooded and damaged by Hurricane Sandy. We meet the men and women who've found demolition and rebuilding work, and one homeowner who makes an effort to provide work to day laborers. We check in with Linda Archer, a McDonald's employee who's joined an effort to demand a higher hourly wage. Since our last conversation, she's talked with her boss, who tried to explain he can't pay his employees more. Until his job was eliminated two years ago, Dominick Brocato worked in human resources in Kansas City. He spent two years networking and searching for employment, and recently applied for a job at Trader Joe's, along with hundreds of others. He tells Dick that he's exploring volunteer opportunities. Check out the latest from "The Story" at thestory.org.

Reposted with permission from American Public Media's The Story: Many Americans have a recession story and Deborah Troutman's gets personal. Working in a company with her husband, she was asked to lay him off. She did, and then she did it again. She talks with Dick about scaling down their lifestyle, as they cope with partial employment. Thanks to DW Gibson and his book, Not Working. Some unemployed people we've met are doing "internships," to get a foot in the door. Eric Glatt secured a glamorous Hollywood internship. Soon after he started his unpaid work, he began to question the legality of working for free and ended up suing the company. And then on to China, where we meet Paul Fichter who designs and makes beer taps. He has a factory in China and two in the U.S., and has created a hybrid staff utilizing the benefits of operating in both countries. Music in this episode: "Black Crow Keeps on Flying", "Loud as Ears" and "Where do I go Now" by Kelly Joe Phelps. Also, Andrew Parsons riffs with his guitar, based on the song "Angel Gabriel" by Chloe Davidson. Check out the latest from "The Story" at thestory.org.

Dennis Clemishaw has been farming cranberries for 30 years – something he never would have expected when he was younger. Now, Dennis and his wife own three bogs of their own and are depending on them for their retirement. This piece follows the Fall 2012 harvest and we learn about some of the risks the Clemishaws will have to navigate. Produced by Eric Drachman. To license this piece, please find it on PRX.

Headhunters adapt to a gig-based economy. As the number of contract jobs rise, recruiters want a piece of the action. Originally aired on Marketplace. Produced by Audrey Quinn

Meet Corn Mo. He has had an amazing career as a rock accordion player but continues to fly under the radar. Story produced by Jamie Courville

Rick is well aware that sometimes a detour works its way into the itinerary. Via twists and turns over the years, he has played baseball in the minor league, worked with a Fortune 500 company as a plant manager, and now owns an RV campground in New Mexico. Here's part of his story (produced by Liz Wason).

Bass sideman Alison Prestwood practiced hard to perfect her craft, and followed her musical ambitions to Nashville in the early 90s. But when Music Row’s fortunes flagged, she learned a new instrument: the law. Produced by Kim Green. Check out more of her work at aviatrixkim.com

When Marcia Mello started busking, she was excited to pursue a life-long dream. But she's had to fight for her place on the street. Produced by Mallory Falk. Check out more of her work at http://malloryfalk.wordpress.com

Barbara Blada has been cleaning houses for decades. She started cleaning for friends around Europe after leaving her home in Poland. She has worked other jobs, but for Barbara cleaning offers the most freedom. Now she runs her own business in Austin, TX called Friendly Housekeeper Cleaning Services. Produced by Sara Robberson, http://storyanddesign.com