Job Security

The word this week is:

IDLE
1: lacking worth or basis : vain <idle chatter> <idle pleasure>
2: not occupied or employed: as
    a : having no employment : inactive <idle workers>
    b : not turned to normal or appropriate use <idle farmland>
    c : not scheduled to compete <the team will be idle tomorrow>
3: a : shiftless, lazy

    b : having no evident lawful means of support

Please remember:

• Your response must be between 33 and 333 words.

• You must use the 3rd definition of the given word in your post.

• The word itself needs to be included in your response.

• You may not use a variation of the word; it needs to be exactly as stated above. 

Sweat beading their brows, Murray and Thompson worked the hoes in the hard packed field.  It seemed the weeds grew faster and taller in the poor soil than the crop they were tending.

"Exactly what's the point of this anyway?"  Murray asked.

Thompson shook his head, "don't know, don't care.  I just do what I'm told."

Murray glanced at his companion, "I just don't get it. Nothin' has ever growed here.  But every year we're out here breakin' our backs.  For what?"

Murray stood and stretched before he answered, "I suppose, it's to give the guards somethin' to do, that's our job, keep 'em from being idle."