Insider information is a great thing, especially in today’s world. From insiders, we learn everything we need and don’t need to know. From Charlie D’Amelio’s personal breaking news to stock tickers, from the Lakers locker room to the White House.

In addition to established insiders who have made gossip their job and main source of income, there are also other types of insiders. These are just people who not only do their job, they are well versed in it – but at the same time, they know something about it that an ordinary person could hardly guess.

And, to be honest, we would hardly have thought of it, if not for this thread in the AskReddit community, whose topic starter asked both a simple and non-standard question: “What are the facts about your job that general public has no idea about?” To date, the thread has over 11.6K upvotes and almost 8.5K comments, where people willingly reveal all the light and dark sides of their work.

Bored Panda collected for you the most interesting, surprising and unusual revelations from representatives of various professions. Some, perhaps, you already knew well, and some will probably shock you. Either way, feel free to scroll to the very end of the post not to miss something really interesting. And now, a little inside info from our work – more than anything in this life, we love your upvotes and comments!

More info: Reddit

#1 Never Assume The Other Driver Sees You

That as a trucker, that space I left in front of me is so I don’t kill anybody, NOT your personal invitation to jump in front of my bumper because you forgot your exit or whatever reason. So many want to get in front of us and slow down and park in front my bumper.

YSK: Don’t believe the billboards those ambulance chasing lawyers put up about big truck accidents mean big bucks. Only survivors get money, most likely not you. If you do survive, more than likely your quality of life is going to be miserable.

Also YSK: these trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, 34,000 pounds empty and around 20,000 pounds without the trailer. How does that compare to your SUV or even your lifted pickup. Do us all a favor and give us some space, leave us room so that you can live and go home to your family

One final thought, NEVER assume the other driver sees you.

Wow! Thanks for all the upvotes. Glad you found it helpful.

Image credits: gfinchster

#2 About 80% Of All Computer Problems Are Solved By Rebooting

I work in IT support.
Legit about 80% of all problems are solved by rebooting the computer/terminal/phone.

If not, 20 percent is pure detective work.

Image credits: Sarato88

#3 In Fact, Most Public Defenders Have Done Many More Trials Than Privates

Public defender.

I don’t do this because it’s the only job I could get. I do it because I’m passionately invested in making sure poor people have access to the courts and because without us, there would be absolutely nothing between them and the awesome power of the government. The vast majority of us are there for the same reason.

The perception that we’re not as good as private attorneys is just wrong. In fact, most PDs have done many more trials than privates because we have many more clients. The difference is that we can’t pick and choose our clients as private attorneys can. We have to work with what we get so our win/loss ratio isn’t as impressive as theirs. Ask a private defense attorney what they think of public defenders- most will tell you that some of the best attorneys they’ve known are PDs.

While we can’t take the time to hold your hand and take every one of your calls, we actually do care about you and your case. I work nights. I work weekends. In fact, every weekend I’m at the jail, seeing my guys, because I don’t have time during the week.

We are excellent attorneys who chose public service.

Image credits: madcats323

#4 80% Of Cooks Are Alcoholics Or Addicts

Chef here.

80% of us are alcoholics or addicts

Image credits: Stoneless69

#5 Security Guards Are Here Just To Observe And Report, Not To Protect

Ex-security guard here.

We’re not there to protect you. We’re there to observe and report. Don’t assume that just because whatever building you’re working in has security that you’re safe. Especially if security is of the unarmed variety.

Image credits: dragon_book_hoarder

#6 People In Hospitals Get Seen By Severity, Not The Order They Came In The Door

ER Nurse.

People get seen by severity, not the order they came in the door… Also, just because you came in by ambulance doesn’t mean you immediately bypass the waiting room.

Image credits: Stoopiddogface

#7 When You Call 911, Please Say Your Address Before Anything Else

When you call 911, please say your address before anything else. It doesn’t matter if someone is actively dying, say your address first. (I’m from a rural area so this might just be a problem where I’m from) but if you’re calling on a cell phone sometimes it can ping in a completely different spot then you are. If you call and don’t say where you are and we get disconnected, I might not have any clue where to send rescue/police/fire and therefore I cannot help you. Say your address (if you don’t know then please give like a cross street or notable location) first, then preferably your name, THEN tell me what’s going on.

A lot of people assume that we automatically have a precise location where they’re at, and the systems can be pretty accurate but you can’t always rely on them. If you say the address and we get disconnected I can at least send someone to the area to figure out what needs to be done.

(Source: I am a 911 dispatcher and I have so many people scream at me for not automatically knowing their location)

Image credits: imscaledandicy

#8 The Bags Of Cement Are Not Filled By A Robot

The bags of cement are not filled by a robot. A person handles every bag. I can fill 2500 bags in an
8 hour shift.

Image credits: DasPuggy

#9 Pills Production Is Highly Regulated And Monitored At Every Stage

I work at a large biotech/pharmaceutical manufacturing company. The medication you take or buy from your local pharmacy are so insanely and meticulously regulated & inspected at every step of the journey – from petri dish to pharmacy shelf, that you could take a pill from a bottle and it can be traced back to the exact room it was made in, the exact equipment that was used, who was responsible for each step, and the time it was made down to the very second. Seriously, there is no misteps when it comes to GxP.

Image credits: StaircaseRailing

#10 Nannies Are Usually Annoyed Not So Much By Children As By Their Parents

I’m a nanny and most people think the kids are what bothers me the most or what would lead me to quit. It’s never the kids, always the f****d up parents. People with too much money who don’t intend on raising their own kids are far too prevalent.

Image credits: TruthProfessional340

#11 Massage Therapists Don’t Care If You Shaved

I’m a massage therapist. I don’t care if you didn’t shave. But please wash your feet.

Image credits: Odd_Improvement578

#12 The Reason You Love Food Is Salt And Butter

Chef here. The reason you love our food is salt and butter… and a lot of it.

Image credits: Emonnick

#13 Many Systems Are Raggedy Messes Of Bare-Bones Functionality

Working for giant companies, it’s comical how many systems are raggedy messes of bare-bones functionality. All available money gets thrown at certain projects, leaving everything else to work on complete shoe-strings.

Image credits: DontWorryImADr

#14 According To Statistics, Construction Is A Much More Dangerous Job Than The Police

As someone in construction, statistically speaking, I have a bigger chance of [passing] on the job than police officers do in their line of work. It was even more dangerous when I did scaffolding at an oil refinery.

I think people abstractly know construction is dangerous, but sometimes you have to put it in perspective for them.

Image credits: I_DRINK_ANARCHY

#15 If The Government Shuts Down, Even If Only For A Few Hours, It Wastes Millions Tax Dollars

I have worked for the US federal government.

Every time Congress waits until the 11th hour to pass a budget or a continuing resolution (a temporary “budget”), the government spends an unknown amount of money, probably millions of dollars, preparing for a government shutdown, whether the shutdown happens or not. If the government actually shuts down, even if only for a few hours, it wastes millions more tax dollars. Taxpayers get no benefit from these expenditures, and the money is simply wasted.

When Congress holds the budget hostage, they’re not actually hurting political rivals. They’re punishing taxpayers and anyone who relies on government services directly or indirectly for anything.

Edit: One more thought:

If your Representative or Senator engages in this, **vote them out at the next election**, because they’re burning your tax dollars to deceive you into supporting their careers. You get nothing, your tax dollars are thrown in the trash, and a bunch of stupid rubes get duped into voting to keep a do-nothing politician in office, earning six figures.

Image credits: Harry-le-Roy

#16 There Are Often Multiple Managers For Every Worker

Bridge carpenter.

When you drive by 6 people standing around one guy working, the group is usually comprised of inspectors, superintendents, subs, engineers, and foremen all standing around a laborer to talk. You can differentiate by the hardhats and how clean they are.

If you want to get upset at someone for your commute being slowed, don’t pick the dirty guys.

Image credits: wayweighdontellme

#17 A Lot Of Good Things Are Simply Thrown Away Instead Of Being Given To Charity

I currently work the line at a recycling facility.

Y’all m***********s throw a lot of s**t away when it could have been given to a charity.

Image credits: robexib

#18 Part Of The Reason Doctors’ Appointments Are So Quick Is The Amount Of Documenting

Healthcare worker – part of the reason your doctors appointments are so quick is the amount of documenting we have to do so we get paid. We can be the most brilliant clinician and save your damn life but if we don’t write a note that’s complete enough or have the right elements, your insurance company will pay less. We get nothing for being smart, correct or compassionate….only what we can “document” and takes time away from you.

Image credits: drRATM

#19 Crisis Hotline Sometimes Get Really Disturbing Prank Calls

Crisis hotline. Sometimes we get really disturbing prank calls. I always encourage people to call back if they are ever in crisis. A lot of times, they (the prank callers) do.

Image credits: fieldsofjade

#20 A Majority Of Food Waste/Waste In General Are From Customers

Retail worker so this may not be surprising

A majority of food waste/waste in general are from customers. Yes, leaving that cold f*****g food at the other side of the store because you decided you didn’t want/need it and were too lazy to put it back correctly, that s**t adds up and is a majority of what we throw out. Cannot tell you how much good food went to waste for no good reason, just because people were too lazy to put it back

But, at least we donate our meat to animal shelters.

Image credits: Oopsiedoopsieuwu

#21 In Newswriting, If We Like You We Don’t Quote You Exactly

In newswriting, if we like you we don’t quote you exactly. If we don’t like you, best believe you’re getting a ‘sic’.

Image credits: sergalahadabeer

#22 The Pharmaceutical Industry Is A Lot Of Paperwork

I’m in pharma. So. Much. Paperwork.

Also we use a lot of single-use stuff, so the pharma industry’s probably responsible for a not-insignificant amount of the world’s plastic waste.

#23 The Ashes Of The Dead In The Crematorium Are Still Partially Mixed

I was a licensed Cremationist for 8 years. Regardless how hard we tried, that wasn’t just grandma or grandpa in the urn….

Image credits: X_5456

#24 The Job Of A Structural Engineer Has Too Many Unknown Variables

Structural Engineer

We take materials we do not entirely understand, form them into shapes we cannot precisely analyze to resist forces we cannot truly assess in such a way that the public at large has no idea of the extent of our ignorance!

Image credits: metzeng

#25 Unless You’re Flying On Delta, Your Flight Attendants Aren’t Getting Paid During Boarding And Deplaning

US based flight attendant here. Unless you’re flying on Delta, your flight attendants aren’t getting paid during boarding and deplaning. We’re just as annoyed as the next person that the flight is delayed because of a mechanical issue, weather, etc. If the boarding door is closed we (usually) don’t mind though.

Image credits: TheVintageStew

#26 Copy/Print Workers Sign An NDA That They Will Not Look At What They Print Or Copy

Copy/print industry.

I have signed a lot of NDA’s and copied/scanned many jobs that I wasn’t allowed to ‘look at’. Medical documents, documents for law suits and such, and helped a few people with patent application.

Had a few print jobs they guy had to sit there the whole time. No one was allowed to look at the printouts. Had to show him how to take the prints out of the copier and make sure no customers came back by the copier.

I couldn’t copy the files if the DVD, and had to sign a document no copies of those documents – physical or digitally were kept by my company. I think the guy was a defense contractor, so that was interesting.

Also – the pulp to make paper mostly comes trees specifically grown for making paper. The rest comes from leftovers from the lumber Industry. Recycling paper into reusable white paper is WAY worse for the environment that making new paper. Making brown paper goods from recycled paper isn’t so bad, but still not great.

Image credits: TorturedChaos

#27 If You Fall Overboard, Don’t Try To Swim – Just Stay On The Surface And Conserve Energy

If you ever fall off a ship/ferry at sea and were lucky enough to be spotted – don’t try to swim your way to safety. The more you try to swim, the lesser the chances of survival. Just try to keep afloat and conserve energy (and body heat) while the rescue team does what they’re supposed to. Unless you are in hypothermic waters, the best bet always is to stay afloat without trying to swim to ‘somewhere’. This information about falling overboard, hypothermia and conditions, survival at sea etc are based on my own experience of many years sailing on [mega container ships]

#28 Radioactive Contamination Can Often Just Be Cleaned With Windex Or Even Water

Radioactive contamination can often just be cleaned with Windex or even water

Image credits: riphitter

#29 Everyone Is Allowed To Make Poor Choices And Suffer The Consequences

I work with the developmentally disabled. While we are allowed to encourage our clients to make good choices and try to talk them out of making bad ones, we are not allowed to stop them from doing what they want. They are people first, and everyone is allowed to make poor choices and suffer the consequences. The United States government calls it “The Right to Consequences.”

Image credits: Gamecon99

#30 Paramedics Learned Vital, Life Saving Skills Off Of Youtube

Paramedic here

Me and a shocking amount of my medic friends learned vital, life saving skills off of YouTube. The schooling just isn’t always what it should be and often we are left on our own to figure things out while we are learning. More often than not that leads to YouTube video tutorials (they have one for everything) so more frequently than you’d think people are learning how to give needles and read ECGs from the same place we all learn what the proper time to hard boil an egg is

Image credits: kingmars2

#31 Only A Minority Of Companies Take Data Security Seriously Enough To Prevent Leaks

Software developer here. Only a minority of companies take data security seriously enough to prevent leaks. For every publicly announced leak, there are 20 that were swept under the rug. Proper security requires that the whole structure, from the top down, has an understanding of the issues. It’s not just down to the techies, it’s down to their managers, and their manager’s managers.

Image credits: AlterEdward

#32 The Passed Away In Nursing Homes Have To Wait Up To 12 Hours For The Funeral Team To Arrive

When your Nan or pop passes away in a nursing home, often they’re still in their bed for over 12 hours before the funeral home picks them up. We just quietly close the door and continue our shifts.

#33 Government Departments Are Really Massive Bureaucracies

Government worker here. You know how you all have the opinion that government departments are massive bureaucracies that take forever to get anything done efficiently, if at all?

It’s true. And we hate that, too. It can take me 2 months to get an answer that would normally take 1 day in the private sector.

#34 Any Golf Lawn Grass You See On Camera Has Been Sprayed Green

I’m the spray tech at a golf course. We use green dye on our putting greens.

The grass at Augusta national is sprayed green as well; “any grass you see on camera has been sprayed green”

Image credits: camefromxbox

#35 Recycling Is Way More Dangerous Than It Looks Like

i work with recycling

i can assure you that recycling is WAY more dangerous than it looks like

people throw away loose razor blades, glass (sometimes even whole knives)

there’s also the problem with human excrement ,if you’re cut and get an infection from human fecal meter ,you’re f****d

Image credits: Question-Stunning

#36 Every 60 Seconds The Automotive Assembly Line Is Shut Down, The Plant Is Losing $10,000

Worked at an automotive assembly plant. Every 60 seconds the assembly line is shut down, the plant is losing $10,000. Missing parts, incorrectly sequenced material(a red bumper shows up next in line when it’s a blue car in bumper install), broken lift assist devices, 1 person running off the line to bathroom(it’s happened), chains breaking etc.. could all shut down the line.

Tensions were incredibly high and the stress was unbelievable on some days. Other days it was super easy and chill. Good pay. High school degree is the only mandatory requirement to be a supervisor, and with the mandatory OT(usually you work 5-6 days, 10-12 hour shifts) you’re making at least 100k.

Image credits: dr_moonshot

#37 People Dont Realise How Much Work Goes Into Making Boxes Or Binders For Products

People dont realise how much work goes into making boxes or binders for products. Huge machines are used, tens of thousands are made in the matter of days. I have made the same binder about 70,000 times roughly in the 6 months since I started on the job. If you receive a box with your product and its still in good shape, consider reusing it for something? As a production operative, i know how much anger and frustration goes into making a simple box. Honestly you wouldnt think its that hard. But when 1 box goes wrong, every single box following does too. Its hard work for a job that should be simple

#38 Most Fossils In Museums Are Just Plastic Replicas

Most fossils in museums are plastic replicas. Not always the whole thing, but any full dinosaur you see more than likely has at least some plastic components.

There’s only a handful of businesses in the world that make the replicas and, at least in the US, they’re pretty small operations.

Image credits: Katy-L-Wood

#39 Toll Department People Watch All The Photos Made By Cameras

I work for a department that does tolls by mail. A robot may take your picture, but a live human ends up processing it. We can see inside your car… even in the dark tunnels.

Image credits: pyaravonfuzzybutt

#40 Most Fast-Food Is Kept Around Much Longer Than It Is Supposed To Be

I’ll share a few different facts from my experiences;

Most fast-food is kept around much longer than it is supposed to be. Bacon from the previous night will be reheated and used the following day. Anything that’s heated and not a burger or fried good is microwaved. Grills and fryers aren’t cleaned as well as they should be.

If you want to check quality on furniture, look underneath. Most places won’t clean the underneath of their furniture. If there’s a lot of excess glue or chipped/scratched/dented parts the manufacturer cares about quantity over quality. Good quality furniture will last forever.

Bulletproof helmets have very little QC done to them other than ensuring they will stop a bullet and even then it CAN be hit or miss depending on the thickness and quality of the material used to create the helmet. Some helmets were born from styles that were created for a contract that was terminated before completion. I.e. we have 1000 helmets that the customer no longer wants, what should we do? Shape em a lil differently and call them a new type of helmet.

#41 “Women’s Self Defense” Is A Waste Of Time

Martial arts/self defense instructor

“Women’s self defense” is a waste of time. Unless you’re taking real classes regularly, that seminar you took that taught you what to do if a man tries to kidnap you is really only good for getting away momentarily.

I know it’s not necessarily the point but you’ll NEVER fully stop an attacker with anything we can show you in an hour. If you can, take a normal martial arts class. No reason that what works for the men won’t work for you.

Edit: Boxing and MMA are also martial arts. Pretty useful on the streets

#42 Not All Of The Truck Drivers Used To Listen To Country Music

I’m a truck driver. I don’t listen to country music.

#43 The Supervisor Position At A Home Health Company Is One Of The Easiest Jobs Ever

I’m a supervisor at a home health company. I may actually have the easiest job in the entire world and I get paid decently for it too. Because of Medicare/Medicaid regulations the company has to send a supervisor out to all the homes our employees go to so we can make sure things are going well and the client is being taken care of well. My time is spent either driving to someone’s home and asking them maybe 15 questions about their care or sitting in the office doing paperwork about those questions. That’s it. That’s all I do.

#44 Teachers Treat Students The Way They Treat Teachers

Teachers 100% are generous/not generous with grades depending on how much of an a*****e you are to them.

#45 Electricity Is Fun To Play With And Can Create A Multitude Of Phenomena

Electricity is fun to play with and can create a multitude of phenomena

Image credits: I_Axel_Phoenix

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