Failure™ Magazine

Giving new meaning to the term ”dead-end job,” a cadaver might have the opportunity to be a teacher’s assistant in a medical school anatomy class, help surgeons brush up on their surgical technique, or even aid in the development of crash test dummies. In some cases, remains might be utilized in three or four places at once; that individual can be really productive. Admittedly, donating your body to science isn’t something you want to run out and sign up for, but you can take comfort in knowing your experience won’t be mundane.

In “Stiff,” author Mary Roach explores the unlikely, remarkable and sometimes historic accomplishments of the dearly departed. Some might find her stories disquieting and occasionally repulsive, but Roach has a way of making the subject matter approachable and even laugh-out-loud funny without being disrespectful to the deceased.

Actually, decedents are well suited to work in science and technology, two fields where physical appearance isn’t particularly important and unending patience is a virtue. While dead lab assistants are most highly valued for their unmatched tolerance for pain, Roach jokes that they do get something back in exchange for their compliance, namely the chance to be “part of something . . . the center of everyone’s attention.” So if your life hasn’t exactly been filled with accomplishment, there’s still hope for you on the other side.