Did Emily Dickinson ever have an actual job?

Answer 1

In Emily Dickinson's day, there were no desirable "jobs" for women. Some taught, but teachers and governesses were poorly paid and teaching conditions were wretched. There were a few nurses, but the conditions were even worse, and it was not a job for a 'lady.' Lower class women worked as servants, receiving room and board, but starvation wages. Some women sewed or took in laundry, working long hours for subsistence.

This was a long time before work was liberating for women. No women worked who could avoid doing so!

Answer 2

Some of her poems were published but writing poetry was the only "actual" job she had

Answer 3

heh. writing is not a job??