A Quick Note on Success

Oddly enough the inspiration for this post came from one of the most unlikely sources, as I am sure anyone who knows me would agree.

After having a lovely dinner and a glass of some pretty cheap wine with Kris, we decided to throw in a movie that we borrowed from a friend of ours. Neeldess to say, this movie was somewhat of a chick-flick and the "borrowed" DVD cover had the usual "2-Day Rental" sticker on the front, as was per usual for this friend of ours.

I'm not sure how many of my readers have seen "The Devil Wears Prada", but I would venture a guess and say most of you have (based entirely on the success level this film generated in America). In which case, you were all subjected to a very odd movie in regards to the author and director's take on personal success in corporate America.

While the fashion industry differs greatly from my current line of work (at least in product), I can honestly say that I was able to relate to a few of the funnier moments of the movie, especially the scenes in which Hathaway struggled to find her niche' in the office while also remaining true to herself. And, as those of you who have seen the movie know, the main character eventually loses sight of what remaining true to one's self truely means as she fights her way up the totem poll in her company (figuratively).

While I have never had a boss that was as vile and exaggerated as Streep's interpretation of the antagonist in this film, I can see where the author of the original novel was going with the overall "moral" of this story... if there even is one.

No matter what you plan on doing as a career in your life, one must always remember to stay true to his or her self and must not compromise happiness for recognition in the workplace. Loved ones are hurt, friends are lost, and the recognition becomes bittersweet if such a compromise is made. True success lies in knowing that you have done as good a job as you could have possibly done and realizing that after 5pm, relaxtion and (in this instance) a glass of your favorite wine is waiting for you at home.

Personally, this is all very cute and makes for a good movie, but I don't buy it for a second. Obviously many sacrifices must be made in order to excel at a career that challeneges the very morals you hold dear to your heart. Afterall, if this wasn't true, then we would all be millionaire executives overnight without even having to lift a finger. Home life is definitely a priority for most people (myself included), but I think it is quite clear that in order to truely succeed in an organization... no holds can be barred.