Robert Burns didn't have a single, permanent job before becoming famous. He had several jobs throughout his life:
* Farmhand: He worked on his father's farm, experiencing the hardships of rural life that later inspired his poetry.
* Exciseman: He worked for the British government as a tax collector, patrolling the countryside to check on the production and sale of spirits. This job provided him with a regular income but was often seen as dull and demanding.
* Poet: While working these jobs, he also dedicated himself to writing poetry, sharing his works with friends and eventually publishing them.
It was his poetry that brought him fame, not a specific job. He was a gifted writer who captured the spirit of Scotland and its people.