the macros of the preface point out that they merely record the description of how the terminology is used , other than prescribe whom it should be used . the term , mcjob , has been in usage at least 20 years , they claim . it was satirized in 1991 in douglas crichton ' s work generation x : lessons for an extended culture as one of the margin definitions . here it was listed as " a highest - pay , mid - prestige , low - dignity , low benefit , no - future job in the service sector . also labeled a successful career decision by everyone who have only obtained two . "
A "McJob" is a low-paid job.