"On my job I end up jumping out of planes. Last week I got in an 18-wheeler and drove down a runway onto a skid track. The week before that they put me in a car and sunk me to the bottom of a lake to see if I could escape without an oxygen tank"

In this quote, Rick Mercer provides a look into the adventurous and perhaps risky nature of his work, most likely as part of a television series or journalistic pursuit. Each activity he points out is highly uncommon, intense, and requires considerable guts, recommending that his job involves performing extreme stunts or taking part in daring experiments usually not encountered in daily life.

The expression "leaping out of planes" indicates participation in skydiving or parachuting activities, underscoring a job that includes substantial danger and thrill. This could reflect an occupation that is focused around documenting these experiences, possibly for entertainment functions. By detailing these experiences, Mercer effectively shows the unpredictable and awesome essence of his work, which likely attract an audience mesmerized by amazing feats.

Next, driving "an 18-wheeler ... onto a skid track" is another severe stunt, highlighting the varied skill set required in his job. This not only demands an ability to manage different lorries however likewise a preparedness to take on numerous difficulties, potentially for the sake of pressing boundaries or providing informative commentary for audiences or readers.

The most striking part of the quote is the description of being immersed in a cars and truck at the bottom of a lake "to see if I could leave without an oxygen tank". This circumstance is loaded with threat and tests one's survival instincts and nerve to browse lethal situations. This points to a function that isn't almost entertainment however perhaps expedition of human limits and survival methods.

Overall, Mercer's quote encapsulates a task filled with adrenaline, expedition, and danger, possibly for a media job planned to engage and thrill audiences. The brilliant representation of these experiences provides insight into the extremes he is willing to go for his career, highlighting styles of bravery, versatility, and the pursuit of unique storytelling.