Are you looking for your first job? Or, do you want to change your current position or career? Maybe even start something on your own? It is always nice to find some inspiration and positive reinforcement around you. You probably heard that ‘Life imitates art’, so a good way to start might be watching movies that could motivate you into action.
Thus, here is a list of 10 movies about getting a job that can provide some career motivation for you.
1. Adventureland (2009)
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Whether you are about to land your first job, or you jumped over that hurdle long ago, Adventureland will be fun to watch. This movie is a coming-of-age story about James, a college student, who gets his first job in an amusement park. After the initial disappointment, he ends up learning valuable lessons about life, work, and love.
The underlying message of this movie is that you should welcome every experience and learn from it. Getting used to the new work environment is never easy, and this movie depicts the ups and downs of this situation in an amusing and witty manner.
2. The Intern (2015)
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You are never too old to start or learn something new. Moreover, if you look into the experience you already have, you can find a way to apply it in any work environment. And that is what The Intern is all about.
A 70-year-old man starts an internship at an online fashion magazine. Naturally, he wrestles with the tasks of the new job, the technology confuses him, and he has trouble fitting in. But, after a while, he successfully adapts to the challenges of a new career.
3. The Banker (2020)
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The Banker takes place in the 1960s. It follows the story of two African-American realtors who encounter racism on their way to success. So, they come up with a clever plan—to hire a white man to pose as the frontman of their business.
This movie will remind you that the business environment isn’t always fair. But, you should always find the courage to initiate the change and make a place for yourself.
4. Field of Dreams (1989)
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Have you ever been too scared to voice your dream or idea just because it might sound silly? Well, Ray Kinsella hasn’t. In the Field of Dreams, he builds a baseball field in his cornfield, even though it seems like there is no reason or logic behind this idea. This story will make you feel good and remind you to believe in yourself.
At first, Field of Dreams doesn’t seem like a typical career movie, but it still delivers a lesson for future entrepreneurs. Motivation is essential when you start a new venture. Therefore, do what you believe in, and your audience will come.
5. The Founder (2016)
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Today, McDonald’s is one of the most successful fast-food restaurants in the world. So, do you want to know about the man responsible for its success? Then, watch The Founder and learn Ray Kroc’s story.
In this movie, Ray shows you the grittier side of the business world. He is driven, ruthless, and stops at nothing to get what he wants. However, those are the traits you will sometimes need to achieve your goals.
6. Julie & Julia (2009)
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Sometimes you know which profession is perfect for you, but sometimes inspiration comes when you least expect it. In Julie & Julia, Julie Powell rediscovers herself. She starts as a writer working in a call center, but after deciding to try all the recipes from Julia Child’s cookbook, she switches her career to culinary arts.
At times, you might put your hobbies aside because you are too busy. But, if something makes you happy, you should consider making a career out of it. This movie will probably give you some ideas on how to do that.
7. Joy (2015)
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Joy is based on a true story of a woman who had a talent for inventing. Yet, it took her a while to start cashing in on her ideas. The movie shows her path from being unemployed to becoming a founder of a very successful business with the support of her family.
Joy’s determination, hard work, and resourcefulness will inspire you. Even though she had no education, she built an empire and overcame all the obstacles along the way.
8. Hidden Figures (2016)
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When you get a new job, it is vital to learn how to pick your battles. Hidden Figures shows you how to focus on the things you can control and let go of things that you can’t. Also, it highlights that cultivating a bond with your peers will provide you with the support you can rely on.
This movie is about the first female African-American NASA engineer and the path she had to take to find and obtain her dream job.
9. Good Will Hunting (1997)
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Good Will Hunting won so many awards, and it was a critic’s pick in The New York Times when it came out. If you haven’t seen it already, you must be wondering: ‘What is so special about it?’. After all, it is a story about a gifted young man who starts as a janitor, but his talent for mathematics soon creates opportunities for him. So, if you are not a math genius, how can you relate? Well, Will’s story has more layers to it.
The movie portrays him as a young man who is overwhelmed and doesn’t believe in himself. If you ever felt like you were not good enough or doubted yourself, you may find his story compelling. This movie shows that it is all right to get help to confront your past and embrace your future.
10. Chef (2014)
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In a perfect world, once you start your career, it would keep progressing from there. But, the reality is different, and you often face lots of bumps along the road. For this reason, you should watch Chef — the movie about a man at the peak of his career who decides to start over again. He quits his job as a chef in an esteemed restaurant and buys a food truck.
Chef brings out the importance of a balance between work and personal life. Ultimately, your happiness is what matters most. So, if you can’t get a job that will make you content, maybe you can create one.
