Friday Funny Finds: Outsource Your Life

Ever wanted to outsource some of what you have to do everyday? A.J. Jacobs did just that. He outsourced calling his parents to wish them a Happy Anniversary, apologize to his wife, read to his son, order his wife’s birthday gifts, and much more!

Here’s a small sample of the article Jacobs wrote for Smart Money:

“I don’t have a corporation; I don’t even have an up-to-date business card. I’m a writer and editor working from home, usually in my boxer shorts or, if I’m feeling formal, my penguin-themed pajama bottoms. Then again, I think, why should Fortune 500 firms have all the fun? Why can’t I join in on the biggest business trend of the new century? Why can’t I outsource my low-end tasks? Why can’t I outsource my life? “

“The next day I email Brickwork, one of the companies Friedman mentions in his book. Brickwork — based in Bangalore, India — offers “remote executive assistants,” mostly to financial firms and health-care companies that want data processed. I explain that I’d like to hire someone to help with Esquire-related tasks — doing research, formatting memos, like that. The company’s CEO, Vivek Kulkarni, responds: “It would be a great pleasure to be talking to a person of your stature.” Already I’m liking this. I’ve never had stature before. In America, I barely command respect from a Bennigan’s maître d’, so it’s nice to know that in India I have stature.”

If it’s been a tough work week, read Jacob’s article on Smart Money’s website called  My Outsourced Life. I must warn you that it is one of those “laugh out loud” articles though, so be prepared if you’re supposed to be working on reports this afternoon. : )  Have a safe and happy weekend!