I answered advertisements of elderly invalids in need of companions.

And I almost became a sewing machine agent, on commission, without salary.

But poor people don't buy sewing machines in hard times, so I was forced to forgo that employment.
Of course, it must be remembered that along with such frivolous occupations I was trying to get work as wop, lumper, and roustabout.

But winter was coming on, and the surplus labour army was pouring into the cities.

Also I, who had romped along carelessly through the countries of the world and the kingdom of the mind, was not a member of any union.
I sought odd jobs.