An excerpt from Monical Helsey’s new book I Can’t Believe it’s Not Better: A Woman’s Guide to Coping With Life called “Getting a Job, a Short Story by Your Parents” shows off both Helsey’s razor wit and the generational unfairness captured so well by Old Economy Steve.
Finally, the boss comes out of her office. “Please, step into my office,” she says. She is also wearing a blazer, but you can tell hers is of a better quality. She probably listened to her mother when she said that it makes more sense to spend money on fewer items of clothing that are better made. It does.
Inside her office are the hallmarks of the life you want: a novelty mug, photos of her kids doing various activities requiring an upper-middle class income to participate, a computer, a motivational poster (advertisement for mortgages), and a landline. She sits down at her desk, your resume in front of her. She looks like that actress from that thing… Gennifer Gerswhin? She’s got hair. You know her. From the film.
“Great resume,” the lady boss begins. “Thanks!” you say, politely. You feel good because manners are their own reward. “And you’re on LinkedIn,” she says. “That’s good, very good. We can’t hire anyone these days without a LinkedIn profile.” You’re killing this. Could you be any more prepared? (That’s a reference to popular Matthew Parrish character Charnler Bing, from the show with the couch.)
“Wow, a university degree?” She raises her eyebrows, blazer-level impressed, and makes some notes on her pad. “English language and literature? You might be over-qualified…” You hold back on telling her about your minor in Roman history, lest she be overwhelmed.
Getting a Job, a Short Story by Your Parents
[Monica Heisey/Vice]
(via Mitch Wagner)