Job, Work or Study IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions with Answers

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Job, Work or Study is a topic that often comes up in the IELTS speaking part 1. Below you will find a list of some example questions and answers that you could encounter during part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test.

The questions below are based on the real IELTS speaking exam. They serve as a great IELTS Speaking Part 1 prediction questions to help you prepare better before your test.

Job, work or study Speaking Part 1 – Set 1

Do you work or study?
These days I’ve been focusing on the IELTS exam. I used to work in a bank as a Customer Relations Executive for two years. I’m currently on a sabbatical though.
What type of work do you do?
I would deal with customer queries face-to-face and try to get them resolved. It was a regular nine-to-five job but I was never bored because I like dealing with people and their quirks.
Did you always want this job?
Actually I didn’t. My father wanted me to pursue a career in Banking. It’s quite common in my country to respect the wishes of one’s parents. In hindsight, it was a good decision as I see a great future ahead.
Is it an interesting job?
Oh yes! Like I said, I am people’s person, and have excellent problem-solving skills. I was good at calming down irate customers and appreciated by the management for it.

Job, work or study Vocabulary Speaking Part 1 – Set 1

sabbatical– a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel
quirk– a peculiar aspect of a person’s character or behavior
hindsight– understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed
elated– very happy
irate– feeling or characterized by great anger

Set 2

Do you work or study?
I work as a content writer for a travel company called World Cities, and I have been working at their head office in Delhi for the past three years. I quite enjoy my job.
What do you do when you are at work?
My main responsibility is to research art and event websites, and compile lists of all the latest events happening in capital cities such as Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, etc. At times, I am required to get in touch with the venues and artists directly.
Does anyone help you with the work you do?
Not at all. I work independently and report to my editor who conducts random quality checks on my work. I do have colleagues at work though. We are a team of 15.

Set 3

Do you work or study?
These days, I work as a counter staff at Baskin and Robbins, a premium ice-cream brand in Nepal. The ice-creams are quite expensive but you are assured top quality, and will definitely come back for more.
Describe a typical day at work
I start work at around seven in the morning as I need to check the ice-cream inventory, and restock the flavors in the display tubs. I also have to ensure that the waffle cones and plastic cups are ready. Customers start coming in around 10 am, and I get off work by six pm.
Who assists you at work?
I work with three other counter staff and we take turns at the cash register. There’s a store manager we report to but he is barely present at the shop. He seems to trust us, and we do a good job consistently.

Set 3 Vocabulary

Inventory – a complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of a building
Get off – to leave work with permission, usually at the end of the day

Set 4

Do you work or study?
I work as an accountant for a multinational company. On a day to day basis, I do a lot of computer work, managing accounts and forecasting the budgets and spending of the company. Some people would find it boring but I enjoy it.
Are you able to manage your time effectively at work?
Yes, I am pretty good at time management. It helps having everything organized electronically, using a calendar and having a to do list that reminds you of your priorities. I am an early bird, so I get a lot done in the first part of the day.
What is a typical work day for you?
I arrive about 8am and make a coffee and log on. In the morning I focus on updating the accounts and budgets and replying to the mountain of emails I get every day. After lunch, I attend a team briefing and then get my head down looking at the spending of the company projects.

Set 4 Vocabulary

early bird – person who likes the morning
get my head down – work hard

Set 5

Do you work or study?
Well, a bit of both. I work freelance as a graphic designer and a lot of my work I can do remotely. This gives me the opportunity to study for the IELTS exam in my freetime. So far, it’s worked very well but I’ll know how well when I get my results.
What kind of routine do you have at work (something you do on a regular basis)?
I try to start as early as I can and I’m often taking a look at my work for the day and thinking about what I need to do while I drink my morning coffee. I usually finish at the around 2.00 and then hit the books around 3.00 for a couple of hours.
Who helps you the most at work?
As I work from home, there’s no one to help me. I have a cat and he tries to sleep on my laptop while I’m working but that’s more of a hindrance than a help.

Set 5 Vocabulary

(Work) Remotely – Work away from your office
Hit the books – Study (intensely)
More of a hindrance than a help – Something that causes more of a problem than helps you

Set 6

What do you do?
I am a receptionist. I work for a well-known chain of hotels. I have been working there for a few months and I think I have learnt a lot about working with guests.
What is your typical day at work like?
I work on the front desk so most of the day I spend checking in guests and answering their questions. If guests call reception with a problem, I organize maintenance of housekeeping to attend to them. I update the check in system on the computer and track the progress of any problems.
Is your job difficult?
It was a first, before I really knew what I was doing. Now, the most difficult part is dealing with irate guests. If they didn’t sleep comfortably or there was a lot of noise they can get quite angry and I have to manage that with a sympathetic face.
Is your job difficult?
It was a first, before I really knew what I was doing. Now, the most difficult part is dealing with irate guests. If they didn’t sleep comfortably or there was a lot of noise they can get quite angry and I have to manage that with a sympathetic face.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
On the other side of the coin, most of the people I work with are very friendly and polite. My colleagues are good fun to work with and we get on well. The customers usually have a good sense of humour too.

Set 6 Vocabulary

a chain – the same shop in different locations
to track – monitor something
Irate – annoyed
get on well – a good relationship with somebody

Set 7

Tell me about your job?
I am a sports coach for a hotel chain. I work in the gym and train the hotel clients and visitors. I also run some regular work out classes in the morning and evenings. I am trained in Sports Science so I can give advice on exercise and nutrition.
What do you enjoy doing at work?
I enjoy chatting with the clients and finding out more about them. The best thing is seeing people feel the benefit of an exercise you have given them or really appreciating the advice you have given them. I feel really chuffed when someone gives me a positive review.

Set 7 Vocabulary

chuffed – very pleased, happy

Set 8

Do you work or study?
I work in Cardiff hospital as a nurse. I have been a nurse for 5 years and I love my job although it can be exhausting and very demanding at times.
What do you do?
I work on the children’s ward there. It is my job to make sure the children are ok and to give them regular check ups and administer medicine regularly. Sometimes, I have time to play a few games with them too and organise some activities if they are well enough.

Set 8 Vocabulary

demanding – difficult, challenging
ward – area of a hospital

Set 9

Do you work or study?
I work in a factory that makes car parts. I have worked there for 6 years since I finished college.
How do you feel about your job?
Most of the time, I am positive about my job. It is a secure profession and I use my skills and experience every day. I am in charge of assembly and I enjoy the responsibility and working towards deadlines

Set 9 Vocabulary

in charge of – responsible for

Set 10

Do you work or study?
I am a nurse in the city hospital. I have been nursing for 5 years and it is a demanding but rewarding job. Sometimes it is really busy, especially at weekends and especially if you are working the weekend night shift. But overall, I love it.
What kind of technology do you use at work?
As a nurse, I have to use various machines and pieces of equipment every day. It is my job to check people’s blood pressure and monitor other vital signs, we have lots of complex machines for this. Also, I use a computer to log the patient’s notes.

Set 10 Vocabulary

hence – so, therefore
shift – fixed working hours
to log – to record, not

Set 11

Do you work or study?
I work in an office doing temping work. I have to answer the telephone, file and retrieve information and update an enormous spreadsheet. I have only been there for two months during the summer.
Do you like your job?
If I ´m honesty, I find my job a bit tedious as I have to do the same thing every day. The time can really drag in the afternoons and I am usually watching the clock. My colleagues are nice but we don’t really know each other that well.

Set 11 Vocabulary

temping – temporary work
(time) drags – time goes slowly

Set 12

Do you work or study?
I work as a receptionist in a hotel. I am responsible for checking people into the hotel and answering all their queries.
What do you do on a typical day?
When I arrive I have to prepare for customers checking that date and make sure that guests are checking out on time. I answer the telephone and meet and greet people as they come into the foyer. I take a break at midday.
Is technology important in your daily work?
Yes, I use a database to keep track of all the customers, checking in and out and all requests of complaints they have. Without this I think it would be quite disorganised and make my job more difficult. We also have an electronic key system which tells us when a customer has left the room so we don’t need to physically check.

Set 12 Vocabulary

queries – questions
foyer – entrance of a hotel
to keep track of – to monitor something

Set 13

Do you work or study?
Yes, I work as an engineer for a multinational company. I have worked for them since 2018 when I left university and started my career. On a day to day basis I work on large machines that have to be maintained.
What did you study at university?
I studied mechanical engineering for 4 years. The course was quite challenging and the hours very demanding compared to other courses. It was a great moment when I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and finished my degree.

Set 14

Do you work or study?
I am currently working as a stocker at a grocery store.
What are your daily work duties?
My role entails ensuring that the merchandise on the shelves is properly displayed and priced, and that the shelves are plentiful, as much as possible. I also answer customers’ questions regarding availability and location of items.
Do you ever use any technology in your job?
I use a scanning device which helps record the items and ensure that they are priced properly. On rare occasions, I help cover cashiers’ shifts, which means I use a touch screen.
What is the most important aspect of your role?
The most important part of my job is verifying that the products displayed on the shelves match our records.
Are you enjoying it?
I am enjoying it so far, but it is only a temporary job, while I save enough money to enrol on my undergraduate university course.

Set 14 Vocabulary

stocker – a person who looks after shelves in a store
entails – means
plentiful – contains a lot of
shifts – the duration of a person’s daily work schedule
temporary – not permanent
enrol – sign up

Set 15

Do you work or are you a student?
I work as a zookeeper at Edinburgh Zoo. I have always had a fascination for the natural world, and I decided to pursue a career in that domain.
What responsibilities does your job involve?
As a zookeeper, I am responsible for feeding the animals as well as administering medication, where needed. I am really in charge of ensuring that the animals are taken care of.

Set 15 Vocabulary

fascination – profound interest
pursue – follow
domain – field
administering – giving

Set 16

Do you work or study?
I work as a flight attendant for a small airline. I was seven years old when I first travelled by air. Flying in the sky made me feel like I was on cloud nine.
What is your favourite aspect of your job?
I love to take on responsibilities, and so attending to people’s requests on the plane is highly fulfilling for me. I enjoy feeling useful very much.

Set 16 Vocabulary

cloud nine – a feeling of well-being, contentment

Set 17

Do you have a job or do you study?
I work as an occupational therapist. I help people with disabilities get back on the horse and regain control over their lives. I aid them in completing daily tasks and routines they couldn’t previously do due to health-related obstacles.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I thoroughly enjoy noticing people’s transformation, when they gradually start to be in charge of their daily lives once again. There is no more rewarding feeling that this for me, personally.

Set 17 Vocabulary

get back on the horse – the idea that someone should try again after being unsuccessful at a certain task</li

Set 18

Do you work or study?
I work as a dentist at my local clinic. When I was a child, I had to wear braces for months, and I it made me want to help prevent dental problems from happening to others, particularly children.
Is there anything you dislike about your job?
There are times when I have to treat people with dentophobia, and it can be challenging to establish trust with them. It is hard to know that I have to conduct procedures that frighten them so much.

Set 18 Vocabulary

dentophobia – fear of dentists
conduct procedures – (in this case) do surgery

Set 19

Do you work or study?
I work in a hotel in the city centre; I am a maid which involves cleaning rooms, making beds and providing the guests with clean linen and towels. It is important to work hard and go the extra mile as we have some quite prestigious guests visiting the hotel.
What time of day do you prefer to work?
I am an early bird so I prefer to wake up early and get cracking. Once all your work is done, which for me is about 8 rooms per shift, the rest of the day is your own to enjoy. If you work later, you are always thinking about it during the day.
Has your job changed at all ?
During the pandemic the hotel was closed completely, so returning to work felt like a big transition to spending time at home. Now, the tourists are returning to the city and instead of twiddling my thumbs I am rushed off my feet again.

Set 19 Vocabulary

go the extra mile – to do more than expected
get cracking – do something quickly
twiddle your thumbs – to be bored
rushed off your feet – to be very busy

Set 20

Do you work or study?
In the summer I work as a lifeguard at one of the lake resorts and in the winter I help out at the ski centre, welcoming people and setting up their ski passes. I live in a seasonal place, hence the seasonal work.
How do you feel about your job?
Overall, I enjoy both my jobs. They are not exactly intellectually demanding but I get to know lots of people and I am picking up skills that will help me get a job in the future. Not only that, I am brushing up on my English as I get to practice with tourists visiting my town.

Set 20 Vocabulary

setting up – to start something
brush up on – improve what you know

Set 21

Do you work or study?
I work in a hotel as a receptionist. I am in charge of checking the guests in and out. It involved updating the computer database, preparing the keys and dealing with requests when the clients call from their rooms.
Is your job challenging?
It is not always a walk in the park as I have to deal with complaints and some extremely difficult guests at times. You have to be really patient and kind even when they are being very rude and arrogant.
Are you planning to change your job in the future?
I hope that I will be promoted next year as I have more experience now. I would like to become one of the reception managers and take on more responsibility and earn more money. It will mean I have more to do but I am ready for the challenge.

Set 21 Vocabulary

deal with – solve a problem
a walk in the park – easy to do
take on – accept responsibility or work

Set 22

Do you work or study?
I am a tour guide in the city. I normally do 2 tours a day in the busy season, less in the quieter times. I show tourists round the main sights of the city and give them information about the city and its history. I am studying history and politics so it compliments that well.
Can you describe your job?
Yes, I have to meet the group at 10am in the morning – I usually have between 10 and 30 people in the group. It is a free tour based on donations so I have to impress them with my knowledge. Later, I do a second tour in the early evening. I usually receive some really good tips.
What do you like the most about your job?
I like meeting lots of different people from around the world from all different walks of life. I also get to practice my English with the tourists and to answer questions about my city. It is really varied and interesting, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Set 22 Vocabulary

tips – money from customers for good service
different walks of life – people from different parts of society

Set 23

Do you work or study?
I work in an insurance office in the city. It is my job to contact customers and quote them for different services depending on their needs. It could be to insure their car or home for example.
Do you like your job?
In general, yes. My boss is a good person and I get on well with my colleagues. I sometimes get fed up with doing the same thing day in and day out but overall it pays the bills and there are opportunities for promotion within the company.

Set 23 Vocabulary

fed up with – frustrated and bored of something
day in, day out – every day

Set 24

Do you work or study?
I am an undergraduate studying international politics at university. I also have a part time job in the student union bar which involves serving drinks to rowdy students, cleaning tables and washing glasses. It is temporary as I need to make some money whilst I study.
What do you like about your job?
I like being able to chat to friends whilst I work and also I sometimes get a free drink or snack thrown in. I like the atmosphere in the student union, people are there to let their hair down and have a good time.

Set 24 Vocabulary

rowdy – noisy

Set 25

Do you work or study?
I am a waiter in a restaurant that serves typical Hungarian food. I work in the evenings and weekends waiting on tables, talking to customers and cleaning up afterwards. I have been working there for a year.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I like working in a beautiful location in the city centre. In the summer, we have chairs and tables outside and the scenery is breathtaking. I also enjoy spending time with my colleagues, we are a good team and we have fun together.

Set 25 Vocabulary

breathtaking – beautiful views

Set 26

Do you work or study?
I work for a transport company organising bus tours and private transport. I work in an office, pretty much 9-5 and it is my responsibility to complete the database and answer queries about tours. I have worked there for 3 years.
Do you need computer skills in your work?
Like most jobs, you need to use a computer. I use the computer all day as I have to update spreadsheets. use a software application to log bookings and reply to emails. I am up to date with my skills and I often seek out training to refresh my knowledge.

Set 26 Vocabulary

pretty much – more or less, approximate
seek out – to look for

Set 27

What do you do?
I work in a car show room on the reception desk. People come in to look at the new cars and are interested in buying them and I direct them to a salesperson and log their details.
What do you like about your job?
I really like working face to face with customers because you get to meet a lot of interesting people from lots of walks of life. In addition, the team of people I work with are great, they have a good sense of humour and they are always taking the mick out of each other
What are your responsibilities at work?
I am responsible for looking after the customers and making sure they have a positive experience in the store. Firstly, I will meet and greet them and assess what they are looking for. I take their details accurately so that the sales team can help them to buy a car that suits them.

Set 27 Vocabulary

take the mick out of someone – to ridicule or joke about someone
to suit – to be acceptable for that person

Set 28

Do you work or are you a student?
I work as a horticulturist. I went to a botanical garden as a child and I was bedazzled by it. I saw the efforts that the gardeners put into it, and that’s when I knew it was my calling.
Do you enjoy it?
Very much so. Until I began to study horticulture at university, I hadn’t realised just how complex and fascinating that field was. I feel I am constantly learning, even with the years of experience I have accumulated.

Set 28 Vocabulary

bedazzled – greatly impressed
my calling – what I was meant to do, my purpose

Set 29

Do you have a job or are you a student?
I work as a swimming instructor at the local swimming pool. I teach swimming lessons to children and teenagers, and in the summer, I deliver aquatic fitness classes to adults.
Do you like what you do?
I do. I have always enjoyed swimming, and working this job is a fantastic opportunity to convey my passion to others. Swimming is also a life skill I believe everyone should learn, and I therefore enjoy teaching it very much.
How do you get to work?
I actually don’t live too far from the pool, so I usually cycle to work. It’s good exercise, it helps me save money, and it’s helpful to conserving the environment.
What are alternative ways of getting to your workplace?
Many people use their cars, because it is faster. There is also a bus system which people may choose to use to get there.

Set 29 Vocabulary

convey my passion – share my passion in hope others feel the same way
conserving the environment – making sure the environment stays healthy

Set 30

Do you work or study?
I work as a city tour guide. I thoroughly enjoy travelling, and I get great joy from exploring Paris. And so, I thought it would be wise to combine both passions and put them to good use by becoming a guide.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy sharing my knowledge with visitors. The best part is when I tell them an unusual fact and I can see their expressions of surprise. It’s very satisfying to see them engaged in the tour, and hopefully realise their dreams!

Set 30 Vocabulary

put them to good use – use them in a productive way
realise their dreams – make their dreams come true

Set 31

Do you work or are you a student?
I work as a maître d’ at a sit-down restaurant. My role entails taking reservations, welcoming customers and leading them to their tables, supervising the waiting staff, and ensuring there is clear communication between the kitchen and the dining rooms.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My favourite aspect of my job is to be the bridge that connects both the waiting team and the kitchen team. Customer satisfaction is often dependent on how promptly they receive their food, which depends on both groups of employees.
How do you get to work?
I commute by car, because the restaurant is a little far from where I live. I do not feel comfortable relying on public transportation with the kind of job I have, as punctuality is key.
What is your schedule like in terms of hours of work?
I officially work thirty-two hours a week, but I may sometimes be required to work additional hours on busy nights, or if there is a need for covering other people’s shifts.

Set 31 Vocabulary

entails – involves such responsibilities as
waiting staff – staff that serves food and take care of customers and their tables
be the bridge – be the link
promptly – quickly
key – essential

Set 32

Do you have a job or are you a student?
I work as a nurse. I come from a family of health professionals, so I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree! I have always wanted to make a difference in the world, hence this career choice.
How often do you get time off from work?
As a nurse, my schedule is very full-on, and so getting time off is not always easy. I do get the chance to book holidays every so often, but perhaps not as frequently as people working in other fields.
Do you think it is important to have a work-life balance?
I think it is, although it may be trickier with certain jobs. While some people may gain a lot from their jobs, they mostly give energy as they work, and it is important to dedicate time to one’s personal life to make sure we receive some energy back, be it from people we love or from quality time alone.

Set 32 Vocabulary

the apple does not fall far from the tree – I am very similar to my relatives
full-on – hectic, extremely busy
every so often – occasionally
dedicate – in this case) make time for something in particular

Set 33

Do you have a job?
I do. I work as a light and sound technician. I get to work at a range of events and concerts and ensure that all the technical elements are in place and working according to plan.
Do you remember your first day at work?
I do. I remember being a complete nerve-rack! I had just graduated and landed my first job working at a local concert. Luckily, my mentor was very open to questions and patient with me. I was very grateful for that!

Set 33 Vocabulary

according to plan – as expected
nerve-rack – extremely nervous
landed – (in this case) obtained, hired

Set 34

Do you work or are you a student?
I work as an accountant in a local bank. I have always had a keen interest in the field of finances, and I decided to make a career out of it.
Do you like your job? Why?
I enjoy it for the most part. I feel I am constantly developing my professional skills, which is an advantage. The tasks can sometimes become a little monotonous, which can make the job a little more tedious. Nevertheless, I am quite happy with it.

Set 34 Vocabulary

monotonous – repetitive, the same
tedious – difficult

Set 35

Do you study or do you have a job?
I work as a nurse in a local health clinic. I have been working there for nearly four years now.
Do you like your job?
I like it very much, indeed. I enjoy interacting with patients and helping them to the best of my ability. If I am able to solve any of their issues, nothing compares to the expression of relief on their faces. It is priceless!

Set 35 Vocabulary

to the best of my ability – as much/best as I could

Set 36

Are you a student or do you work?
I work as a restaurant manager in New York. I am a busy bee and I enjoy taking on responsibilities, which is why this job suits my personality perfectly. I supervise my team at all times and attend to their needs, as well as the customers’.
How was your first day at work?
On my first day of work, I was a bit of a nerve-rack. It was more hectic than I had expected and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but also was very informative.

Set 36 Vocabulary

busy bee – an active person
nerve-rack – extremely anxious
hectic – extremely busy
emotional rollercoaster – feeling frequent and abrupt ups and downs

Set 37

Do you have a job?
I do. I work as an actor with a local theatre company. Acting has been my passion ever since I can remember myself. Even as kid, I would re-enact scenes from movie or shows I liked, and perform mini shows of my favourite stories.

Set 37 Vocabulary

ever since I can remember myself – my earliest memories
re-enact – perform an imitation of a scene or speech

Set 38

Do you work or study?
I work as a teacher of English in a public Secondary school not far from where I live. I am very fervent about my role as a teacher and feel I am helping and inspiring my students every day.
Where did your study?
I did a degree in Anglogermanic Linguistics Studies in Spain and finished my qualifications in Dublin, Ireland. I very early focused in English Language History and Literature, finding in those subjects my motto.
What was your major subject?
Of course, it was English as a whole; however, as I said before, I found pleasure in investigating how the language evolved from Old English into present day forms and also developed a keen in its literature and history.
Did you like studying there? Why?
Yes, I enjoyed my course a lot there. My subjects were challenging and mind-blowing enough, of course, but also, both cities in Spain and Ireland had a similar climate and atmosphere. People were open-minded and friendly and I was very comfortable there.
Would you recommend any changes to your school ?
Perhaps I would erase some subjects from the course curriculum, which, now I find ineffectual as a teacher. I would also add subjects related to didactics and more practical workshops.

Set 38 Vocabulary

Fervent – located
Motto – feeling pride of one’s work
Evolved – develop from or into
Mind-blowing – astounding
Ineffectual – useless

Set 39

Can you tell me where you are from?
I come from Paris, which is the capital city of France. It is a very big city, and it has many famous landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame cathedral.
Do you currently study or work?
I currently work. I have a part-time job at a restaurant.
What do you do for a living?
I work as a shift supervisor, which means I am a waitress but I also look after my team, and make sure the shifts are going as smoothly as possible

Set 39 Vocabulary

landmarks – objects or features in a town that can be easily recognised
supervisor – team leader
waitress – a person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant, bar or café
shifts – (in this case) periods of time when worker work together
smoothly – (in this case) without any problems

Set 40

Where do you come from?
I am from Barcelona, in Spain. It is a large city in the province of Catalonia. It is known for the Gaudí’s cathedral called La Sagrada Familia.
Do you study or work?
I work as a museum guide in the Prado Museum in Madrid. I have always loved art and I decided to work in a museum to share my passion for it with visitor.
Do you want to continue working as a museum guide?
I think so, for a while. But maybe I will feel like doing something different in a few years. I looking to have more of a management role down the line.

Set 40 Vocabulary

guide – objects or features in a town that can be easily recognised
passion – strong appreciation
down the line – in a long time from now

Set 41

Where are you from?
I am from Krakow, in Poland. It is in southern Poland near the Czech Republic. It is a historic city with a lot of medieval and Jewish architecture. It is famous for its market square and the castle. A lot of tourists come to visit places related to the holocaust.
Why do you live there?
My family are from here and we have never wanted to live anywhere else. There is plenty of work in the city so it is a good place for families to live and lots to do. As a family, we like to travel in Europe but home is where the heart is.
Do you work or study?
I work in a cafe in the city centre as a waitress. I work about 30 hours a week, mainly lunchtimes and weekends. I serve coffee and cakes to people visiting the city and clean up at the end of the day. It is not exactly thrilling work but most of the time it is quite fun.
What do you like or dislike about it?
I like talking to people and giving advice about the city. I also get the benefit of having free coffee and cakes although that soon becomes less exciting. The drawback of the job is having to clean all the tables and floor at the end of the day when you have been rushed off your feet all day. I´m exhausted when I get home.

Set 41 Vocabulary

home is where the heart is – the place you like best
thrilling – very exciting
rushed off your feet – very busy
all sorts – all types

Set 42

Where are you from?
I am from Munich in Germany. It is a large city that is well known for its architecture, particularly numerous clock towers. There is also an annual beer festival called Oktoberfest that is visited by people from all over the world.
How can we achieve a better work-life balance?
I think the key to a better work-life balance is to set clear boundaries. We need to be able to finish work, switch off communication related to work and give your full attention to your home and family life. This is not achievable in all jobs but employees should have the right to insist that they have their free time.
How important is a career for you?
A career is very important to me, that is why I am working my way up the ladder. I started working as an admin assistant and now I am managing more accounts. I am going to apply myself and in a few years I hope to be promoted to a management position. It is important to feel challenged and that you are rewarded for your work.
Can people have a successful career and run a household?
In my opinion, I think this is achievable but also very challenging. A successful career involves long hours and lots of effort whilst running a house can involve looking after and educating children as well as the typical chores. I think this can work well when a family is supported by others; professional help or help from the extended family.

Set 42 Vocabulary

chores – tasks in the house e.g. cooking, cleaning