Miss Pink Slip on Indefinite Hiatus

Hi everyone,

It’s already pretty obvious, but I’m taking an indefinite hiatus from Miss Pink Slip. As much as I love writing this blog, and writing in general, I just can’t keep up with everything right now. 🙂

I hope all of you are finding your employment dreams coming true. If not, they will be soon. I have all the faith in the world in you!

XOXO

MPS

Tax Tips for the Unemployed

I saw a segment about tax deductions for job seekers on today’s CNN “American Morning”. In case you missed it:

http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/09/tax-deductions-for-job-seekers/

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/08/tax.tips.unemployed/index.html?hpt=Sbin

This is for anyone unemployed in 2009!

Miss Pink Slip’s Out-of-Work Oscars, Part Deux

Yesterday I counted down the first five of 10 movies I think best exemplify the life (for better or worse) of the unemployed. Some of them are inspirational; some are cautionary tales of the highest degree. Here we go with 6-10:

6. American Beauty– Oh, Kevin Spacey and his bitter, sardonic pervy Lester Burnham! As a depressed father living in “perfect” suburbia, Lester is going through a serious mid-life crisis. He is spectacularly fired, then decides to remake his life when he becomes obsessed with his daughter’s nymphet friend played by Mena Suvari. Chaos ensues. For the unemployed, though, all that matters are Lester’s classic responses to his state of loserness: the firing, the drive-thru window debacle (“you are soooo busted”), the confrontation of his wife sleeping with the Real Estate King. But perhaps the best thing for us to recall and repeat to ourselves is what Lester tells tight-ass Carolyn as she’s bitching him out for the 100th time: “I rule!” Yes, Lester, you do rule.

Moral of the story: Well, there shouldn’t really be a moral for this one, but what the hell. Don’t let the “man” push you around!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqJ8zxV7Cjw

7. Pretty in Pink – Okay. You’re probably wondering how this made the list. Well, Harry Dean Stanton’s portrayal of Jack Walsh (father of Andie) exemplifies the perpetually out-of-work. There’s really no lesson to be learned here. I just wanted to honor the fact that while the guy couldn’t keep a job to save his soul, he really could pick out a good pink prom dress (which his daughter goes on to make into the most butt-ugly prom dress of all time). I guess everyone’s got talent. No chaos here, unless you count Blane dissing Andie for the prom.

Moral of the story: Be good at something.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnBjDZ5WRME 

8. Fun with Dick and Jane – I have to admit that I’ve never seen this movie, but I know it absolutely represents our current environment. I also know chaos ensues, but I’ll quote from IMDB for a recap: “The day before Globodyne’s stock tanks, a la Enron, and its pension fund evaporates, the corporation’s CEO and CFO set up middle manager Dick Harper to be the public face of the disaster. Jobless, and with no savings, pension, or home equity, Dick and his wife Jane sink slowly into poverty. He looks for work (as do all former Globodyne executives); he even tries day labor with the relatives of their Mexican nanny. A foreclosure notice sends Dick and Jane over the edge into a life of blue-collar crime. Then, as things finally look up, the report of a looming indictment pushes Dick and Jane toward a denouement with the real criminals, the white-collar guys.” (Thanks, J. Hailey via IMDB!) 

Moral of the story: No matter what, criminal activity is not the answer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubWVznIj_xg&feature=related

9. Kramer vs. Kramer – Dustin Hoffman makes the list twice with this tear-jerker about a workaholic ad man who gets laid-off, then goes home to find out his wife’s leaving him…and their young son, Billy. Chaos ensues (including a great scene with French toast), leaving Ted Kramer to embrace his role as a single father and ultimately realize that family is first in his life. He also has a nasty court battle with wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) that will exhaust you.

Moral of the story: Bad events can often make you realize what’s most important in life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmyfOquda-M

10. Office Space – This is definitely a case of saving the best for last. “Office Space” is one of my favorite movies of all time, and it fully cemented Ron Livingston’s position in my top five guy list. Plus, I believe it’s one of the only great movies Jennifer Aniston has done. Peter Gibbons is the hero of everyone stuck in a shit job. Unlike most of us, he’s desperately trying to get fired and does everything in his power to do so. What happens? He gets promoted! Genius! Chaos ensues and Peter and his friends move on to a life of white-collar crime. I could go on and on and on, but why? We all know the movie by heart anyway.

Moral of the story: Never steal someone’s red Swingline stapler.

One more moral: If you get laid-off, beating the hell out of a fax machine to the tune of “Still” by Geto Boyz will make you feel like a million bucks.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gujp3PxkkNg&feature=related

Did I forget any? I’m sure I have. Let me know your favorites!

Miss Pink Slip’s Out-of-Work Oscars

The Oscars are four days away, so I thought I’d repost one of my favorite blog entries from 2009: Miss Pink Slip’s Out-of-Work Oscars.

While “Up in the Air” was obviously not on this list, it is certainly the current crown-bearer of unemployment movies. But there are many others! As I said last year, grab some popcorn, hit Netflix and settle in for inspiring education in unemployment. The first of my favorites are listed below:

1. The Full Monty– Six unemployed British steel workers create their own “Chippendales” act in hopes of earning some serious cash. Chaos ensues, but when their pants finally come off, the women go wild and the dollar bills (er…pounds, Euro, whatever) are aplenty.                                                

Moral of the story: Get creative and use your resources (but keep your pants on, please).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AUIVx-KQt4

2. Mr. Mom– Michael Keaton’s Jack is let go from his job as an auto engineer. Wife Caroline (Teri Garr) returns to the job market, becoming the primary breadwinner and leaving Jack to run the household. Chaos ensues (crazy poker games for coupons, a night out with the girls at “Chippendales”, etc. etc.), Jack battles with the washer/dryer and a vacuum, but he learns to make a darn good grilled cheese with an iron and ends up finding happiness at home.

Moral of the story: Find your strengths in unexpected situations. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Y3tmxJF6w

3. TIE

The Toy – A bratty kid purchases an underemployed reporter/janitor (Richard Pryor) at a department store in the hopes of using him as a “toy”. Desperate for cash, said reporter takes the job, chaos ensues and the man is perpetually humiliated through a series of antics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DCSATF1gBg 

Tootsie– Unemployed New York actor (Dustin Hoffman) goes drag to land a role on a popular soap opera. Chaos ensues. Unexpectedly, the character becomes a huge success and Hoffman falls in love with his female co-star (Jessica Lange). In turn, everyone falls in love with Hoffman’s “Dorothy”, including a male co-star (George Gaines) and his love interest’s father (Charles Durning). Utterly confused and humiliated, everyone discovers the ruse and everything plays out.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khCLA5RnxCI                                                                  

Moral of the stories: Never knowingly humiliate yourself for a steady paycheck.

5. Erin Brockovich – Unemployed mom of three (played by Julia Roberts) meets lawyer Ed Masry when he represents her in a car accident suit. He loses the case, and because she’s out of cash, Roberts’ character guilts Masry into giving her a job as a legal assistant. Chaos ensues, and Masry fires her over and over again. Erin Brockovich remains persistent in her goal and, ultimately, ends up a hero, earning a boat-load of dough for herself, Masry and an entire town. Plus, she punishes a really bad chemical company.                                                                                                                          

Moral of the story: Be prepared to make sacrifices and be persistent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5nYV0tMe3k&feature=related  

Interview Wardrobe Ideas for Spring 2010

I am dying for Spring to get here. So the other day, I visited one of my favorite bargain sites, Chadwicks.com, to see if they had any fun, inexpensive dresses to kick off the season. I ended up ordering four.

Many times, Chadwicks has really cheesy clothes, but every now and then I pick up something adorable that gets positive feedback and is well-made. I also never see anyone else wearing it. So I thought about you job hunters. With warm weather finally upon us, I know you’re itching for something new to put into the interview rotation. Chadwicks has several cute dresses I think are appropriate for at least an informational or initial meeting.

They’re also having a fabulous “Dress & Suit Event” and are offering 20 percent off dresses and suits until March 25. $4.99 ships everything. The promotion code is CHDRESSUP.

Check it out!
www.chadwicks.com

Photo: Chadwicks.com

How to Mount an Olympic-size Campaign for Your Job Search

Like much of America, I was getting pumped for our Olympians last night. The USA beat Canada in hockey, capping off a thrilling weekend that also included medals for Bode Miller, Shani Davis, Apolo Anton Ohno and Lindsey Vonn.

What do all these athletes have in common? Determination, drive and, of course, a dream. In fact, they sound a lot like job hunters. 

Here are 10 things I’ve noticed among our Olympians as they mount their quests for success. I’m thinking these elements can surely take a job search from so-so to gold medal-winning!

1. Laser-like focus
2. Clear strategy
3. Supportive group of family and friends
4. Well-planned training regiment
5. Conditioned bodies and minds
6. Sense of individuality
7. Perspective
8. Fun, fearless spirit
9. Strong belief in miracles
10. Killer iPod playlist (Kelly Clark Karaoke, anyone?)

What have YOU taken away from our Olympic idols?

“How NOT to Apologize” by Tiger Woods

I couldn’t bring myself to watch Tiger Woods’ self-aggrandizing “apology” today.

As everyone knows, the golf phenom took to the international airwaves an hour ago to publicly apologize for his “irresponsible and selfish” behavior. He went on to confirm his many affairs with many mistresses, say how much he disappointed everyone, how his wife should be praised, blah blah blah. Some people may buy it, but I don’t. And I’m pretty sure there are millions of others out there who see beyond this highly scripted, choreographed and tightly managed dog and pony show. Despite his coming forward today (two months after the sh*t initially hit the fan), people will still be talking about Tiger for quite some time to come. It’s not going to go away soon.

A lesson for all of us mere mortals in the work world – employed and otherwise: If you’ve done something wrong, own up to it. In a timely fashion. In a sincere manner. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to present itself. It never will. Two  months after the fact is just ridiculous. Just take responsibility for your actions up front, and people will have much more respect for you in the long run. Trust me.

Another “Best Job in the World” Candidate: Tinsley Mortimer

I went to Fashion Week’s Ecco Domani emerging designers show tonight in the Bryant Park tents and sat two rows behind the “celebrity” seats. There, among a couple of C-list CW actresses, sat socialite-cum-fashion entrepreneur Tinsley Mortimer.

The “Page Six” regular was  decked in a hot pink cocktail dress and sported her trademark wavy blonde locks. She was accompanied by some frizzy-haired guy that looked a little like Russell Brand. Like many of her socialite sisters, Mortimer seems to have some handbag and clothing line that’s “huge in Japan”. Yeah, so is Jennifer Love Hewitt. But I digress.

The reason I’m writing about Tinsley is that she must have the best job in the world. I’m guessing she gets paid somehow for showing up at these shows and other events where she preens for the cameras and gets loads of publicity for the brands and labels she’s “endorsing”. She gets to dress up in gorgeous clothes and make the rounds at some of the most fabulous parties in the world. All this for being born into the right family and marrying money. Granted, she is apparently getting divorced from her husband, aptly named “Topper”, but she hasn’t lacked for male attention and has been linked to many eligible men about town. 

I know the grass isn’t always greener, but on some level, it must be pretty nice to be Tinsley.

Unemployed? 20 Inexpensive Ways to Show Yourself Some Love on Valentine’s Day

I was thinking of what I could possibly write that relates the unemployed and struggling to Valentine’s Day. Then, it came to me: This is a perfect time to show yourself some love and affection. And who needs that more than you?

I came up with 20 ways you can give yourself a big hug this Sunday. They’re cheap and easy…just like me. Kidding! 🙂

1. Hit up a matinée. Garry Marshall’s “Valentine’s Day” hits theaters today. Most of the Oscar-nominated films are out, too.
2. Download a few new songs from iTunes.
3. Treat yourself to a small piece of costume jewelry like earrings or a bracelet. Target’s got cute guilt-free options.
4. Take time away from your computer to dive into that cheesy chick lit book that’s sitting on your bedside table.
5. Head over to your neighborhood chocolatier and buy a couple of sinfully divine truffles or even just a mug of decadent hot chocolate. Yes, with whipped cream. Yes, with chocolate shavings. 
6. Invite your closest friends over to share a nice bottle of wine. This is the time to splurge on that $25 or $30 bottle you’ve been eyeing.
7. Go to church. For the faithful, nothing is more uplifting than some quiet time with God or an inspiring sermon from your favorite spiritual leader.
8. Join the girls for brunch at a cute café with all-you-can-drink mimosas or Bloody Marys.
9. Let yourself be lazy. Pile up on the couch with a blanket and watch hours of Lifetime or Hallmark Channel movies. Go ahead…no one’s watching!
10. Visit your local bookstore and treat yourself to a gorgeous magazine you normally don’t read.
11. Pick up some new lingerie. Again, Target has cute bras, panties and nighties. Loehmann’s also has a great selection.
12. Manicure/Pedicure. Duh.
13. A tube of lipstick or bottle of nail polish. I love bright colors from Chanel, MAC, Essie and OPI. Drugstore brands are great, too!
14. Take a bubble bath. My favorite indulgence by far.
15. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers at the market. FTD doesn’t have to make a delivery to be cheered by a bright bunch of blooms.
16. Get the kids out of the house for the afternoon.
17. Bundle up and take a long stroll somewhere you can enjoy beautiful outdoor scenery. 
18. Buy the best candle you can afford at a cute gift shop you normally don’t visit. Light it, take a deep breath and close your eyes.
19. Did you cut out Starbucks when you lost your job. Not today you don’t!
20. Have a hot afternoon of sex with your partner–it costs virtually nothing. That is, unless you forget protection!

What are you planning to do this Valentine’s Day?

Happy (Belated) 1st Birthday, Miss Pink Slip!

Happy belated birthday to me! Happy belated birthday to me!

I completely forgot that Miss Pink Slip celebrated its first birthday on Tuesday, February 9!

Thank you all for continuing to read–even if you just happened up my little blog because I made you look or you were searching for a Bachelor recap on Google.  

Mwahhh! XOXO
MPS