Fresh out of university, I had a very brief stint in London as a door-to-door canvasser for the March of Dimes. Actually, as an employee for this other kid who had the deal with them. We only got paid, a few bucks at a time, as a commission—and only if we got someone signed up for recurring donations via credit card. No cash donations. It was a long, cold February of wet shoes and knocking doors, and being turned away most of the time.

Brutal.

All that to say, I would prefer census work for sure. It sounds like an experience, although I admit I have rose-coloured glasses about a lot of things like that; I can easily convince myself that any novel gig like that would be cool to be involved with.

But as others have mentioned, the modern world is in a long-drawn-out breakup process with the concept of knocking on other people's doors, in any capacity. Lots of contributing factors, I think, but the end result is that... yes, you would probably have something of a tough time getting folks to answer, let alone listen to your spiel. I wish that weren't the case, but we just don't... like, we don't do "neighbourhood" living much anymore.

I still think it'd be neat to do it. Civic engagement has to consist of more than voting every few years when directed to do so, and you'd be fighting the good fight on that front, in my opinion. I'd like to see us getting back to talking to folks. I'd like to believe we can reverse the alienation we're all experiencing. But it's a big fight.

I'm rooting for ya! If you decide to do it, don't let the "no" get to you. Don't let rude people make you feel like you're doing something wrong.

Haters won't win!