It was during one of my job hiatuses that I discovered the joy and peace in watching movies. I’m especially infatuated with old school 80’s and 90’s movies that are slow, have a real story line, include no Hollywood drama and immediately draw you in with their depiction of relatable events. Think Unfaithful, Heartburn and my all-time favorite – Working Girl, starring Melanie Griffith. I just started my new job (hence why I thought about this movie); as you may recall I’ve been job hunting since July and have thankfully managed to stay busy and optimistic either way.
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| Working Girl (Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver) |
Working Girl (if you haven’t seen it, rent it on Netflix) chronicles Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) who is a young assistant trying to find her place in the corporate world but is having troubles making her mark in a male-dominated work environment. Her luck changes when she receives the opportunity to work with a female boss Katharine Parker (Sigourney Weaver) but she soon realizes it’s the same game played by a difference horse. Her boss steals her idea and Tess finds a way to get her back by working with Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford). This movie is epic, and really shows you how sometimes you have to play the game in order to come out successful on the other side. I love that Alec Balwin, Kevin Spacey, David Dochovny and Joan Cusack all make appearances in the movie – even in small, impactful cameos. Since I’m back in the work world and finding Working Girl completely relatable, I’ve compiled a list of 5 things that are useful in preparing to reenter and blossom in the workforce:
1. Always keep it cool
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| Tess. Tess. Tess. You don't get ahead in this world by calling your boss a pimp. |
2. Asking questions and coming up with ideas are key – especially in the beginning of starting your job.
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| Remember, you make it happen! |
3. Keep it positive no matter what
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| Even when Tess experiences drama on the home front and finds out her boss stole idea, she keeps it cool and focuses on being successful |
4. Dress professionally (even in a low-key business casual environment).
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| Dress shabbily they notice the dress... |
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| Tess made things happen for herself by collaborating with Jack Trainer on an idea she had. Just make sure you don't burn any bridges when deciding to work with someone. |