A stranger told Ariane that her job was 'fake'. She realised it was true.

So, tell me — how's your fake job going?

Before you attack me, hear me out (please?).

TikToker Ariane Starceski posted a video talking about how she first learnt that she had a 'fake job'.

She said she had met a girl who asked her what she did for a living. Ariane replied saying that she worked in tech sales.

"Oh, so you have a fake job," the girl said back.

Watch: Horoscopes when there's a problem at work. Post continues below.

She went on to say that if you're in tech sales, you're essentially getting paid to sell air — it's not a real or tangible product.

The girl Ariane was talking to also claimed to have a fake job because she worked as an aesthetician. She said, "You don't need me to wash your face, you could just do it yourself."

So who does have a… real job? The top of the list is nurses — they're helping people and saving lives. It's real. 

@arianestarceski

what's everyones fake job?

♬ original sound - ariane starceski

The video now has over seven million views with thousands of comments from people explaining what their 'fake jobs' are.

"Personal Trainer — I feel like I just count to 10 over and over," one person said.

"Project manager — I ask people if they finished their task and send emails when it's completed," added another.

"Quality assurance — I listen to calls that already took place and then report back, 'Ah yes, the agent did do their job correctly'."

"I'm an actor — I literally play pretend for money."

"I'm a fashion stylist, so I basically tell people what to wear."

"Lawyer — sounds real, but it is really just telling adults to behave."

This video and the list of other 'fake job' descriptions has made me think about my own 'fake job.'

As a writer and podcast host, I guess I get paid to tell stories to people who don't know me?

Wild.

Unprompted, I've decided to make my own list of people who I think have 'real jobs.' This includes:

Doctors, nurses, actually… anyone who works in or with medicine.

Teachers.

Carers.

Parents (yes, it's a job).

And… I think that's it. I've definitely missed out on many other people, but the general idea of those who have 'real jobs' is that the primary role of your job is to care for others.

The 'fake job' trend can be likened to the saying that we all tell ourselves every time we're burnt out, or stressed or have made a mistake… "we're not saving lives."

Yes, some of us do save lives, and those of you who do… congrats— you have a real job. But for me, this trend has made me realise that it's just not that serious.

In the comment section of the video, one TikTok user wrote, "If you don't know if your job is real or fake, ask yourself this question: Would I have my job if capitalism didn't exist?"

Yes, my job is important and technically 'real' but nothing serious would happen if I simply stopped doing it (if you're my boss and reading this, I won't do that, don't worry).

The idea of the 'fake job' has given us all permission to remind ourselves that if you fall into the category, you're allowed to give yourself a break every now and then. It has also given me a whole new appreciation for those who actually have the real jobs amongst us fakers.

Do you have a fake job? Tell us what it is in the comments. 

If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem. 

Feature image: TikTok: Ariane Starceski & Canva.