Everything I need to know, I learned from “The Devil Wears Prada”
Believe it or not, this week marks the 10th anniversary of everyone’s favorite Meryl Streep movie, The Devils Wears Prada.
Just kidding — no one has a favorite Meryl Streep movie because they are all amazing, and in the same vein, everyone loves The Devil Wears Prada because it is hilarious, heartfelt, and not at all relatable — like all movies we love!
For the record, I am now writing one EINTKILF a month so please enjoy June’s edition! I love anniversaries! I love Anne Hathaway! I love Emily Blunt! I love that joke about stomach flus!
EINTKILF The Devil Wears Prada
Don’t disappoint your boss
The entire premise of The Devil Wears Prada revolves around an ambitious but not super fashionable young career professional working for a strict, important, wise, and harsh BOSS. Who doesn’t know what that feels like? (Most of us, hopefully!) Though Andy (Anne Hathaway) doesn’t know much about fashion or the industry she is getting herself into, working for Miranda Priestly teaches her a lot in only a little amount of time. I guess, even if your boss isn’t necessarily the nicest human on Earth, it is important to attempt to not disappoint her.
Because it is scary to disappoint your boss. And also that isn’t how you advance in a career. BUT ALSO — if you don’t like your work life / office / boss / career, please pack up and leave. That’s my sidenote and also kind of what Andy learns for herself.
Fashion is important
Okay, so I wish I knew anything about fashion, but I don’t. Sometimes, people in my life say stuff like, “you are super stylish!” but I know it’s mostly because I steal clothes from my best friend’s closet combined with the fact that I happen to have naturally great hair and lips ripe for color. I know nothing about fashion but what I do know is that it is kind of important. No, I don’t think it is the most important thing, but I do think we can learn a lot about history through fashion trends. You can learn a lot about what a person is going through by their fashion trends. You can tell how a person feels by their personal fashion choices. (Leggings and a flowy shirt? Cute and laid-back. Cute pencil skirt and a blouse? Serious businessperson. Etc, etc.)
Though Andy doesn’t particularly care about fashion when she is hired to work for Miranda, we get one of those sweet movie transitions where Andy gets really cute and cuts her bangs and dresses really well. And we all love those. Also, I feel like I should say that obviously clothes aren’t everything and your general fashion is great as long as it works for you.
Work hard, play hard
One of the most memorable quotes in the movie is when Miranda says”By all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.” She doesn’t really have the “play hard” part of this down, but she certainly knows how to work hard.
I actually hate when people say this because I don’t work hard or play hard, honestly. I think working hard is an awesome quality and whatever “play hard” consists of sounds great, too. The real lesson is, don’t irritate your boss by taking your sweet time doing anything. Move at a non-glacial pace. Work hard. (Even if I don’t, you should!)
Don’t be afraid to share your opinions
Because Andy shared her opinions, attempted to be herself, and stood up for what was right for her, she ended up without the job, but with her integrity. Personally, I have had a lot of “last straws” at a lot of jobs and for a lot of bosses. The one thing I really am proud that I have stuck to, regardless of finances or status, is my integrity. Sometimes, it’s not worth the “dream job” (or any job!) to stick it out and do what you don’t feel comfortable doing, or working for someone who you don’t feel comfortable working with. Andy “disappointed” Miranda, but what a glowing recommendation, right?
Whatever makes you feel good at the end of the day, kids.
The Work v. Relationship choice is hard
Okay, so I kind of don’t like Nate, Andy’s boyfriend, at all buuuuut it is important to note that work gets in the way of a lot of relationships. I have been in a few situations where my partner had to choose work or me (so far, work has always been the winner) and vice-versa. (I have always picked the partner.)
I will never judge anyone for picking their partner over their job, or their job over their partner, but it is important to me (and should be to you!) to ensure you are choosing your own happiness. The two times I have picked a new career path to salvage a relationship have been the right choices for me, even if those relationships didn’t work out. I have never worked a job that meant more to me than what ~love~ brings into my life.
That all being said, I have realized lately how much of my life’s happiness depends on my job and I have finally chosen the path that I think is best for me, and I kind of just hope that the ~love~ or relationship works out anyway. In The Devil Wears Prada, Nate feels like he loses Andy to her new job, namely Miranda.
And though he has some points, maybe Andy’s happiness wasn’t with Nate anymore, and that’s okay. She made the right choice for herself. SORRY NATE. (They get back together though, right? Or maybe not?)
Do what makes you happy
…or at least gets you experience. Work experience is important.
