Whatever your situation, there's a movie that fits. From landing your first job to changing careers to surviving the office from "9 to 5," it's all been captured on film.
Welcome to the Jungle
Going from the classroom to the boardroom can be a shock to your system.
Check out these flicks for advice and inspiration on how to make a minor league job your launching pad to the majors.
"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (1967)
You may want to pick up a self-help book after watching this classic film. J. Pierpont Finch (Robert Morse) makes a meteoric rise from window-washer to vice president of the Worldwide Wicket Company thanks to unscrupulous advice in a how-to book. Word to the wise: Don't believe everything you read.
"Reality Bites" (1993)
Budding filmmaker Lelaina (Winona Ryder) and her three Gen X friends find that college didn't necessarily prepare them for the perils of corporate America. A must-view when you're scared of selling out or surrounded by slackers.
"Secret of My Success" (1987)
There's always room at the top, particularly when you invent a position there for yourself. Hey, it worked for Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox). He goes from mailroom clerk to whiz kid executive, thanks to a vivid imagination, some quick changes and lots of close calls.
"Wall Street" (1987)
If you think greed is good, visit Wall Street. Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), burgeoning big-time broker, aims high and lands the biggest client of his life. But hapless Fox lets his lust for money compromise his values, relationship with his family and stature as a law-abiding citizen. Let it be a lesson.
Changing Channels
Changing careers can seem like risky business. Dispel your hesitations and find inspiration in these big-screen switches.
"Daddy Day Care" (2003)
If you've ever dreamed of opening a home-based business, you need to see this movie. Laid-off executive Charlie Hinton (Eddie Murphy) opens a home day-care facility and at first it seems that father knows anything but best. But with some hard work, Hinton and his buddies manage to make being a kid fun again.
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939)
Average Joe Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) relishes his new job as a Washington senator. But the former scout leader soon learns he's merely a patsy and political pawn. Refusing to compromise his integrity, Smith uses his new career to change politics for the better.
"Patch Adams" (1998)
Hunter "Patch" Adams (Robin Williams) goes from psychiatric patient to M.D. in this fact-based film about self-discovery and determination. It's not all fun and games as Adams tries to infuse humor into patient care, but he ultimately proves his point that laughter really is the best medicine.
"Private Benjamin" (1980)
Judy Benjamin (Goldie Hawn) is trying to be all she can be. But for this "spoiled little rich girl", the Army isn't all she thought it would be. Against all odds, Benjamin finds she relishes fatigues over furs and discovers that the only man in her life is Uncle Sam.
The Daily Grind
Sometimes the biggest stumbling block in your career is simply surviving your current job. Take some survival tips -- and a few chuckles -- from the plights of these office workers.
"9 to 5" (1980)
Never underestimate the power of three: Doralee (Dolly Parton), Judy (Jane Fonda) and Violet (Lily Tomlin), coworkers who toil under the watchful eye of the evil Frank Hart (Dabney Coleman). After seeing how this trio teams up to turn life around at Consolidated, just imagine how you could change your company's culture.
"Clerks" (1994)
This cult classic tracks a day in the life of Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson), two convenience and video store clerks going nowhere fast. If you're having an "I'm not even supposed to BE here" day, this flick will help you deal.
"Clockwatchers" (1998)
You have to know when it's time to stop watching the clock and start acting. Temps Iris (Toni Collette), Margaret (Parker Posey), Paula (Lisa Kudrow) and Jane (Alanna Ubach) band together to fight inhumane treatment from managementin this dark comedy. Welcome to the world of "temporary insanity."
"Office Space" (1999)
Hasn't everyone wondered what would happen if they just stopped showing up for work? When Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) does, he not only continues to get paid, he also gets a promotion -- proving it really is a mad, mad, mad, mad corporate world.
Making It Big Time
Are you ready to reach for the stars?
Don't wait for divine career intervention or inspiration. Just do it.
After all, it worked for the characters in these "dreamy" flicks.
"All the President's Men" (1976)
"Washington Post" reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) know they've got a big story in Watergate. Unfortunately, they're the only ones who seem to know it. This story of dogged determination can help you stay the course when times get tough.
"Flashdance" (1983)
If you're ready to "take your passion and make it happen," this film will help you get in touch with your inner "maniac." A welder-by-day/dancer-by-night with big dreams, Alex (Jennifer Beals) can show you what a feeling it is to fight your fears.
"Jerry Maguire" (1996)
When you've walked away from a sure thing armed with only your principles, it helps to have what sports agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) had: Relentless drive and someone who believed in him. And we're not talking about Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.).
"Working Girl" (1988)
Whether your stumbling block to success is big hair or a bad local accent, Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) shows the tenacity it takes to answer when opportunity knocks. Sure, she gets knocked around. But in the end, she gets a corner office on Wall Street -- and Harrison Ford.
