15 TV Characters Who Somehow Never Seemed to Work

Some television characters have an impressive talent for avoiding the nine-to-five. They live in expensive apartments, spend entire afternoons drinking coffee, and somehow always have time to get involved in their friends’ problems. A few technically have jobs, although we’re rarely shown what they actually do. Others survive on family money, questionable business ventures, or the generosity of whoever lets them sleep on the couch. Of course, watching someone answer emails for eight hours wouldn’t make particularly exciting television. Still, it’s hard not to wonder how these characters pay their bills, especially when they’re constantly eating out or buying expensive clothes. Their schedules certainly seem more flexible than ours.

Cosmo Kramer — Seinfeld (1989)

Kramer lives in a Manhattan apartment and spends most of his time visiting Jerry. He occasionally tries business ventures, but a regular paycheck rarely enters the picture.

Carrie Bradshaw — Sex and the City (1998)

Carrie writes a weekly newspaper column, yet somehow finds endless time for brunch, dating, and expensive shopping trips. Her work schedule is remarkably accommodating.

Barney Stinson — How I Met Your Mother (2005)

Barney wears expensive suits and occupies a corporate office, but his friends barely understand his job. Eventually, it’s revealed that he’s paid to sign legally compromising documents.

Charlie Harper — Two and a Half Men (2003)

Charlie earns money composing advertising jingles while living in a Malibu beach house. Most days, though, he seems considerably more interested in drinking and dating.

Connor Roy — Succession (2018)

Connor lives comfortably on the Roy family fortune without holding a conventional job. His big career ambition is running for president of the United States.

Buster Bluth — Arrested Development (2003)

Buster spends years studying obscure subjects and living under his mother’s supervision. Attempts to give him responsibilities at the family business rarely go particularly well.

Jack McFarland — Will & Grace (1998)

Jack bounces between acting gigs, retail jobs, dancing, and other temporary employment. Will and Karen frequently help support him while he pursues his next big opportunity.

Todd Chavez — BoJack Horseman (2014)

Todd starts out sleeping on BoJack’s couch and somehow ends up involved in increasingly bizarre business ventures. A traditional career never seems especially appealing to him.

Hank Moody — Californication (2007)

Hank is a successful novelist who spends much of the series struggling with writer’s block. His social life seems to take priority over finishing another book.

Creed Bratton — The Office (2005)

Creed supposedly handles quality assurance at Dunder Mifflin, but he’s usually occupied with something suspicious or completely unrelated to paper. Even his coworkers barely understand him.

Jean-Ralphio Saperstein — Parks and Recreation (2009)

Jean-Ralphio drifts between questionable business schemes and attempts to make easy money. His short-lived entertainment company with Tom doesn’t exactly establish him as a dependable businessman.

Joey Tribbiani — Friends (1994)

Joey is an actor who spends long stretches unemployed between auditions and occasional television roles. Chandler regularly helps cover expenses while Joey waits for another opportunity.

Cliff Clavin — Cheers (1982)

Cliff works for the postal service, but he seems to spend every available afternoon sitting at Cheers, delivering unsolicited trivia to anyone unfortunate enough to listen.

Serena van der Woodsen — Gossip Girl (2007)

Serena occasionally takes jobs in publicity and entertainment, but her days are mostly filled with parties, relationship problems, and social drama. Money rarely seems urgent.

Damon Salvatore — The Vampire Diaries (2009)

Damon lives in an enormous family estate, drives expensive cars, and spends his time dealing with supernatural emergencies. A regular job doesn’t appear necessary.