Iconic '90s sitcom Friends tried to capture the lives of a group of twenty-somethings in a way that the genre had never done before. While this appealed to new audiences, the edict was clear that their careers shouldn't dominate their lives. Yet, as the show progressed their jobs continued to be an important factor of the narrative.
Seemingly not important at first, the workplace decisions of each character would soon impact their relationships with one another and their social standing. Indeed, two of the key romances of the show (Ross/Rachel and Chandler/Monica) had big stories linked to key career choices. Not every workplace decision is a great idea from this group, but that just makes their struggles all the more real and hilarious.
12 Chandler's Worst: Moving To Tulsa
Chandler was extremely unhappy in his career for many years. He thought about making a significant change, although the opportunity and promotion that arose for him weren't exactly what he had in mind.
While he took the chance, there was just one problem: the job was in Tulsa. Chandler would eventually recognize that the opportunity just wasn't right for him, especially since it took such a strain on his relationship with Monica. He really never should have taken it.
11 Chandler's Best: Going Into Advertising
One of Chandler's most compelling story arcs was when he finally took a chance on his talent, quit his job, and looked for the opportunity of a lifetime. He thought advertising could be the best career path for himself and sought a way to make money and be happy.
The internship he started off in certainly seemed demeaning considering the age of the other talent in the same position. His genius writing and hard work paid off, though, as he was awarded an earning role for his efforts.
10 Phoebe's Worst: Selling Out
Phoebe has a lot of strong values and principles. She is pretty set in her ways, but that doesn't mean she hasn't been hypocritical now and then. For instance, she absolutely hates the "capitalist" massage chains, preferring her freelance role.
However, she initially sells out, joining one she detests, just for the paycheck. When Rachel tries to snap her out of it and have her stand by her word, Phoebe lies and carries on in the role, continuing to sell out on her values.
9 Phoebe's Best: Not Working In Stocks
Phoebe revealed that she was once offered a role in the stock market industry, something she turned down at the time. In an alternate future, her fate is shown to the audience, as she struggles to cope with the stress of her job.
It turns out moving away from this potential career path might have just saved her life. Phoebe goes on to lose millions in this alternative version of history and even has a heart attack because of the high pressure.
8 Monica's Worst: The Moondance Diner
Monica had big ambitions in the culinary world for a lot of her life, but she continued to settle for poor jobs. Sometimes she had to take on certain roles in order to pay the bills, including at The Moondance Diner.
Alas, she made a number of bad choices and didn't stand up for herself quickly enough. Whether it was her romantic entanglements with another waiter, or allowing herself to wear the terrible costumes that were designated; sometimes she needs to take her own advice and look out for herself.
7 Monica's Best: Becoming Head Chef At Allesandro's
Eventually, Monica's hard work would pay off. She happened to be in the right place at the right time, offering up some food criticism and bringing in fresh ideas that earned her the top spot as head chef of Allesandro's.
It was a dream come true and she would spend the majority of Friends working in the same position. Without taking full advantage of the opportunity she would not have eventually stepped up once again to be head chef at Javu.
6 Joey's Worst: His Soap Opera Digest Interview
Joey doesn't always think before he speaks. This was certainly the case when he had a great chance to be interviewed by Soap Opera Digest. His role on Days of Our Lives was really taking off, but Joey sabotaged his own career.
He made a number of comments about the scripts and making up lines that angered the writers. He was swiftly written out of the show, although in fairness he did eventually find a way back in with the help of a typical soap opera twist.
5 Joey's Best: Hiring Estelle
If Joey from season 1 was to look at the future version of himself, he perhaps would suggest being a bit nicer to Estelle, since she sadly passed away in the final season. Despite supposedly being terrible at her job, she did wonders for Joey's career.
She managed to get him parts in plays, on TV, and even a few movie roles. Sure, some of his parts were a bit rubbish and occasionally it was more Joey who found an opportunity for himself, but hiring Estelle was a great first step on the proverbial ladder.
4 Ross' Worst: The Sandwich Incident
Ross has gone through some pretty sad times. Facing divorce and worried about being alone for most of his life, his anger began to get the better of him. His actions in the workplace were definitely ill-advised, even if it was his famous sandwich.
Ross was suspended after yelling at his boss for eating his turkey sandwich. Even after returning to the museum, though, he was eventually fired as his anger continued to get out of control. He would instead move on to being a university professor.
3 Ross' Best: Getting Tenure
Moving to the university was a good choice for Ross, even if he was a little lazy in his teaching methods. Somehow his performance was enough to get him a bit more job security, and he would spend the rest of the series at the institution.
He got tenure for his work, making the correct decision to take it. He went on a number of research projects, wrote some questionable papers, and continued teaching in this role. Ross did make a number of very strange choices in the job, though, including dating a student.
2 Rachel's Worst: Not Moving To Paris
Rachel was given the opportunity of a lifetime with a brand new position in Paris. As the fashion capital of the world, this was really Rachel's dream come true. But the toxic relationship of Ross and Rachel struck again.
Ross always puts himself and his feelings over Rachel's career. While she does ultimately choose to stay, it's really a missed opportunity that could have meant big things for her. Ross seems to take the move in his stride, as if it's what should have happened all along.
1 Rachel's Best: Trying Out Fashion
Rachel took a big risk by cutting herself off from her family fortune. Indeed, no longer receiving daddy's money meant she had to find a job of her own. She began by working basic jobs rather than looking for a specific career path.
Her choice to move into fashion was definitely a smart one. She demonstrated that she had a real eye for the industry and quickly became one of the group's most ambitious members, rapidly rising up through her career.
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March 28, 2021 at 05:30AM
