The 'World's Toughest Job Ad' meme originates from a 2014 viral marketing campaign by American Greetings titled 'World's Toughest Job.' The video featured a series of real video-chat interviews for a fake position called 'Director of Operations,' which included insane requirements like standing for 24 hours, no breaks, and a $0 salary. The emotional payoff occurred when the interviewer revealed the job was actually being a mother. Since then, the template has been used by internet users to humorously exaggerate the demands of various professions, gaming grinds, or student life, often contrasting impossible expectations with the reality of the situation.