Even though my job usually is the bee's knees, sometimes I even eye my digital nemesis (aka, this laptop) with the enthusiasm of a sloth in molasses. Sometimes there's a legit reason, like the siren song of a freshly brewed latte calling my name. Other times, my inner diva just stages a coup, demanding another vacation, despite the fact my passport still has that "new car smell." And let's not even get started on the fantasy where I'm dripping in diamonds and my bank account laughs in the face of "budgeting."
But hey, all kidding aside, it's apparently a thing to occasionally feel like your work mojo has packed its bags and eloped with a piña colada. Doing the bare minimum? We've all been there, rocking the "minimum viable effort" chic. However, if you genuinely dig your gig but your get-up-and-go has, well, got up and gone, maybe a healthy dose of feel-good career TV can be your secret weapon against the blahs.
So, without further ado (because even witty banter needs a point), here are the shows I binge-watch when my inner workaholic needs a serious pep talk and a virtual high-five.
"The Bold Type" is basically a sparkly, high-heeled masterclass in adulting! Forget stuffy lectures, we're talking about watching Jane slay the "speak-your-truth" game like a boss, Kat basically bungee-jumping out of her comfort zone, and Sutton climbing the ladder with the power of killer networking and a dash of "oops, did I just land my dream job?" charm. Plus, they don't pretend everything's sunshine and rainbows; they trip, they fall, they spill coffee on their power suits, and then they get right back up, armed with killer comebacks and even better friendships. It's like watching a career-advice smoothie, blended with a whole lot of glitter and a side of "hell yeah, sisterhood!"
"Suits" is less a legal drama and more a high-stakes, pinstripe-powered masterclass in how to hustle! This show serves up Harvey Specter's swagger as a main course, teaching us that confidence is your best closing argument (even if you're bluffing a little). Mike Ross, the human Wikipedia of law, proves that brains and a photographic memory can get you places, even if you’re playing a seriously risky game. And let's not forget Donna, the human lie detector and office oracle, proving that knowing everyone's secrets is a superpower. It's basically a cocktail of sharp suits, sharper tongues, and the constant, thrilling reminder that sometimes, bending the rules (just a little) is how you win the game. Just try not to get too inspired to pull a Mike Ross in real life, okay?
Forget your standard career advice; this show is a hilarious, lipstick-stained manual on how to reinvent yourself, even if it involves a little (okay, a lot) of fibbing. Liza, our queen of age-defying deception, teaches us that sometimes, you gotta fake it till you make it, especially when "making it" means landing a dream job and a hot, younger boyfriend. Diana Trout serves up a masterclass in commanding a room (and wearing statement necklaces that could double as weapons), proving that confidence is the best anti-aging serum. And Kelsey? She's the millennial whirlwind, showing us how to hustle in the cutthroat publishing world, even if it involves navigating office drama, dating disasters, and the constant struggle to stay relevant. It's a cocktail of witty banter, publishing world chaos, and the constant, hilarious reminder that sometimes, the best career move is pretending to be 26 when you're definitely not. Just remember, while Liza's tactics are entertaining, maybe don't try them at your next job interview. Unless your interviewer is also looking for a juicy secret.
This show is less a traditional career guide and more a high-octane, rule-breaking symphony of "I'll do it my way." Sophia, our chaotic yet charming protagonist, throws the corporate rulebook out the window and builds an empire from scratch, proving that sometimes, the best business plan is a killer instinct and a knack for spotting hidden gems. It's a masterclass in turning your passion into profit, even if that passion involves a healthy dose of defiance and a mountain of hustle. Think of it as a DIY business seminar taught by someone who's definitely winging it, but somehow making it look incredibly cool. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best career path isn't a straight line, but a wild, vintage-clad adventure. Just remember, while Sophia's "no rules" approach is entertaining, maybe balance it with a tiny bit of planning in your own life. You know, just a little.
This isn't your typical career advice show unless your career involves running an entire nation while wearing priceless jewels and dealing with family drama that would make a soap opera blush. Spoiler: No office politics are included; we're talking international diplomacy, constitutional crises, and the constant pressure of living under the world's microscope. Queen Elizabeth II, our stoic and surprisingly relatable protagonist, teaches us the art of quiet strength, unwavering duty, and the ability to keep a stiff upper lip even when your family is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. It's a lesson in leadership, where emotional intelligence is as crucial as political savvy, and where the weight of tradition can be both a burden and a powerful tool. Think of it as a historical drama that doubles as a masterclass in handling immense pressure, navigating complex relationships, and maintaining composure in the face of absolute chaos. While "The Crown" offers a fascinating glimpse into a world of power and privilege, maybe don't try to solve your office disputes by invoking the divine right of kings. Though, a well-placed corgi might add some gravitas.
Alright, prepare for a masterclass in…well, not how to run a successful office, but definitely how to survive one, with "The Office." This isn't your typical career inspiration; it's more of a cautionary tale wrapped in a hilarious, cringe-inducing package. Michael Scott, our well-meaning but utterly clueless regional manager, teaches us valuable lessons in what not to do in the workplace, from inappropriate jokes to disastrous team-building exercises. Jim Halpert, the master of the deadpan stare, shows us how to navigate office absurdity with a healthy dose of sarcasm and pranks. And Dwight Schrute, the beet-farming, survivalist salesman, demonstrates the importance of… well, the importance of knowing your own unique brand, even if that brand is slightly terrifying. Think of it as a workplace survival guide disguised as a mockumentary. It's a reminder that even in the most dysfunctional environments, you can find moments of camaraderie, humor, and maybe even a little bit of love. You should definitely enjoy "The Office," given that it is a comedic goldmine; however, please, for the love of all that is stapler-related, don't take career advice from Michael Scott. And definitely don't try to pull a fire drill prank.
Grab your beret and prepare for a whirlwind of social media savvy, fashion faux pas, and the art of "ooh la la" with "Emily in Paris"! This show isn't exactly a corporate training seminar, but it is a crash course in navigating a new culture, building a brand, and somehow turning every awkward situation into a viral moment. Emily, our American expat extraordinaire, teaches us the power of social media marketing, even if it involves a healthy dose of cultural cluelessness and a lot of questionable hashtags. She proves that enthusiasm and a can-do attitude can get you far, especially when paired with a killer wardrobe and an uncanny ability to stumble into romantic entanglements. Think of it as a whimsical guide to international marketing, blended with a romantic comedy and a generous helping of croissants. Emily in Paris clearly reminds us that, sometimes, the best career moves involve taking a leap of faith, embracing the unknown, and learning to say "bonjour" even when you're completely lost. Just remember, while Emily's Instagram-perfect life is entertaining, maybe don't try to solve every business problem with a social media post and a romantic rendez-vous. And definitely don't assume everyone in Paris is as charmed by your American enthusiasm as the show portrays.