The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word KNEAD
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
K
N
E
A
D
More clues leading to the result KNEAD
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "work as a baker" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case work as a baker = knead.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does KNEAD mean?
KNEAD noun- The act of kneading something.
- To work and press into a mass, usually with the hands; especially, to work, as by repeated pressure with the knuckles, into a well mixed mass, the materials of bread, cake, etc.
- To treat or form as if by kneading; to beat.
- (of cats) To make an alternating pressing motion with the two front paws.
- To mix thoroughly; form into a homogeneous compound.