Career Advice from 4 of Your Favorite Television Shows
Simply Hired Staff
Sometimes, there’s just nothing better than a good tv binge! Whether it’s catching a favorite current prime-time show, or watching your old favorites on a streaming service, chillaxing (that’s what the kids call it!) on your own couch is a much-needed respite from the daily grind.
In fact, I have a few favorites that I love to watch, over and over (I’m sure you do, too!)! And with the nifty invention of streaming services, we can watch a whole series or just our favorite episodes, whenever we want! Many of the most successful sitcoms of our time chronicle the lives of fictitious (but seemingly “normal”) people whose everyday struggles, embarrassments, joys, and loves are played out before our very eyes. We see the highs and lows of the personal lives of all of these characters – when they fall in love, out of love, make friends, lose friends, etc. – but we also see them climb the corporate ladder, slide down, and attempt to climb back up! Some of the funniest moments on primetime have been when our favorite television characters have conquered the uncertain world of unemployment and job search.
Don’t believe me? Here are some helpful job tips brought to you by your favorite TV characters:
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Chandler Bing says… Get Organized!
In the ninth season of the Emmy award-winning show Friends, former IT procurement manager Chandler Bing finally quits the job he has hated for years. Just like anyone who quits his or her job without a backup plan in place, Chandler was overwhelmed with indecision in the days following his resignation. However, in one scene, he has a conversation with his wife, Monica, and his worry was swiftly eliminated with her support:
Chandler: “I mean, what am I supposed to do with myself?”
Monica: “You’re supposed to find your passion in life. You can be whatever you wanna be now. It’s exciting.”
Chandler: “But it’s all so overwhelming. I don’t know where to start.”
Monica: “Hey, wait a second. I can help you with this. You just need to be organized. We can make a list of your qualifications, and categorize jobs by industry. There could be folders and files!”
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect job, or changing careers, take the time to organize your thoughts, resume, promising job listings, and look at the criteria that are most important to YOU, for your next role. Staying organized (like Monica!) makes the process so much easier!
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Lily Erickson says… Be Creative!
How I Met Your Mother’s Lily Erickson had always dreamed of becoming an artist, even as a young child. However, prior to getting married, Lily’s attempts to pursue her passion for painting had been unsuccessful. That all changes in season three, however, when Lily is forced to return her brush to the canvas in an attempt to sell her artwork to pay off her credit card debt. Necessity is the mother of invention, right?!
Audiences watched as Lily’s artwork was displayed in an art gallery, a coffee shop, and finally on the side of the road – and never sold. However, after a few twists and turns, Lily’s painting finds its way into a veterinarian’s office, and miraculously it calmed the nervous and yelping dogs! Lily began an online business, selling her artwork to vets for their offices. Dreams do come true!
The takeaway – be persistent! Rejection and failure are par for the course. While job-hunting, it’s always important to keep an open mind, and be creative in your approach!
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George Costanza says… Get Good Advice!
Seinfeld’s George Costanza quits his job in real estate in a fit of rage – with absolutely no backup plan! In a conversation with his best friend, Jerry, George muses about his next move, considering jobs such as “general manager of a baseball team,” “broadcaster,” and “projectionist.” Jerry acts as George’s Greek chorus and voice of truth, pointing out the flaws in George’s logic and thinking –
Jerry: “So, what are you gonna do?”
George: “I like sports, I could do something in sports.”
Jerry: “Uh-huh, uh-huh in what capacity?”
Jerry gave George the reality check he needed, she tried to decide on the best path forward. In times of difficulty, including unemployment and job search, it is imperative to have good friends around you. Friends not only act as great emotional support, but they are also trustworthy people to bounce ideas off of, to make sure you’re making smart decisions!
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Claire Dunphy says… Be Flexible!
Modern Family’s Claire Dunphy began to feel stir crazy as all of her children became teenagers and grew increasingly self-sufficient. She had quit her job to stay home with her children, and now they didn’t need her so much. So, Claire decided to re-enter the workforce by accepting a job working for a local real estate agent.
However, on her very first day of work, she quit! Claire claimed that she would never go back and work for such a difficult manager (good thing she found out what the manager was like on the first day!). Having had such a bad experience when she re-joined the workforce, it would have been understandable for Claire to feel totally discouraged and give up, but she was determined.
Eventually, she accepted a job at her father, Jay’s small business called “Closets, Closets, Closets”. While it wasn’t her first choice of jobs, Claire was open to trying something new, even if it meant working for dear old Dad. And it was a wild success!
When looking for your next opportunity, don’t shut the door on jobs that you wouldn’t necessarily apply for, even if it means working for family or good friends. Sometimes, knowing the right person gets your foot in the door, and it turns out to be a great fit! Think outside the box, stay flexible, and always be open to trying new things.
Article Updated from the Original on May 17, 2019
