I was having a tough day at work today. Like one of those “I wish I hadn’t worn eyeliner because my discrete bathroom crying is going to be WAY more noticeable” kind of days. And I did what I always do when faced with an intractable problem: ask myself what Leslie Knope would do.
So without further ado, here are the 7 best pieces of career advice Leslie Knope has ever graced us with:
1) Stick Up For Yourself
“When you sit back and let your reputation be destroyed. You go down in history as a frozen whore.”
Whether that’s about your reputation, your rights as an employee, or your feelings about your personal life.
2) Don’t Be Afraid to Help Others Reach Your Level of Awesomeness
“I’ve taught them too well. I’ve created a mob of little Leslie Knope monsters. I’m so proud.”
I work in a business where people are regularly suspicious of anyone and everything, and afraid that said people are going to take away their opportunities. Leslie reminds us that even if our students become our rivals, that should still make us proud (and give us an opportunity to try and defeat them on an even playing field).
3) Know What You Want
“There are very few things I have asked for in this world. To build a new park from scratch, to eventually become president and to one day solve a murder on a train.”
4) Being a “Victim” Doesn’t Mean You’re Not a Badass
“I mean, that’s why people respect Hillary Clinton so much, because nobody takes a punch like her. She’s the strongest, smartest punching bag in the world.”
Hilary Clinton was famous for her husband cheating on her (and for a few other things), and then she became Secretary of State, which basically means that other countries get to bitch at her for shit she can’t entirely control. But she is still Leslie’s (and my) hero because she bounces the hell back.
5) Prepare
“I always store emergency s’more rations in my car.”
Especially for the important stuff.
6) Love Your Work
“The bankrupt government of Pawnee has been shut down all summer so it’s been three months of no work, no meetings, no memos, no late nights, nothing. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
And….
7) When Your Work Just Isn’t Loveable, Make it Sound Better
(Hobbies) “Organizing my agenda. Wait, that doesn’t sound fun…jammin’ on my planner!”