I have a different take on Silver Linings Playbook.  I want to talk about the lessons one can take from the movie. Lessons people can take along in their post-graduation job hunts and embracing themselves in the work world.

Helpful Support is all around

Throughout the movie the main character Pat (Bradley Cooper) receives support from all over. His family is helping him get on his feet again. Pat’s friend Danny, from the mental hospital, gives him advice. Pat even learns a few things from the other co-lead in the movie: recovering sex addict Tiffany Maxwell (played by Jennifer Lawrence).

The thing to notice is that encouraging resources are all around a person. Talk to your family or a professor about what you want to do for your career. Talk about how you want to make yourself better. Internship supervisors, college career service centers, and working professionals are willing to help you, you just have to ask. Take charge of the beneficial resources surrounding you.

Look for Silver Linings

Silver Lining- A sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation (Dictionary.com definition)

Throughout your job search you are going to face lots of rejections, no replies and disappointment, but you should continue to look for a silver lining.

Pat at the beginning of the movie, despite having lost his wife and being released from a mental hospital, still believes in silver linings. Pat searches out for them and never gives up.

“You have to do everything you can. You have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining.” –Pat Salatono   Silver Linings Playbook

So push aside the anxiety and nervousness of career searching and remember to always try to find a silver lining.

Embrace You

Tiffany Maxwell is the tough skinned woman Pat comes into contact with in the movie. Being a recovering sex addict, there are dark things about her past. Her sister tries to be the “better” one of the two by showing off her materialistic items in her house. Tiffany embraces the dark past that many look down upon her for.

“There will always be a part of me that is dirty and sloppy. But I like that. Just like all the other parts of myself.” –Tiffany Maxwell  Silver Linings Playbook

The point is to embrace who you are in your job search. Showcase your strengths; show what you can offer to the employer. Know who you are and what is unique about you.

New York Times Movie Review of Silver Linings Playbook.