Job Search Lessons from 80s Movies: The Secret to Career Success

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson takes a fun dive into the 1987 movie The Secret of My Success, starring Michael J. Fox. Although it’s an 80s classic with some retro charm, the movie holds valuable lessons on networking, standing out, and navigating the grind of job hunting—lessons that can resonate deeply with teachers transitioning into new careers. Listen in as Vanessa breaks down key themes from the movie and offers insights on how they can help you as you move forward in your career transition. Get ready for a combination of movie magic and practical career advice!

• The Grind of Job Hunting: Frustration and persistence in applying for jobs, even when it feels like you’re not quite there yet.
• Standing Out in the Job Market: The importance of doing something simple but memorable to stand out, like Brantley Foster’s Xeroxed face business card.
• Networking: The power of networking, and how Brantley Foster's success is tied to his aunt’s connections. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make those connections!
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Why women tend to hesitate when applying for jobs and how to overcome that fear, using transferable skills that you’ve already developed as a teacher.
• Confidence in Transferable Skills: The skills you’ve developed in education—communication, leadership, problem-solving—are highly valued in other industries.

Resources & Links:

• Teachers in Transition – Your resource for career transition support.
• Watch Brantley get turned down at interviews
• The 5Ps Framework – Not sure whether it’s time to leave teaching? Check out the framework at the top of the Teachers in Transition homepage to get clarity.
• Amazon Rental – The Secret of My Success – If you haven’t seen the movie yet or want to revisit it, you can find it available for rental for under $4 on Amazon.

 

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Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

 

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