Everyone was unprepared to read the news about Matthew Perry’s passing last October 28. That same day, I started rewatching my favorite Chandler Bing moments on Friends. ICYDK, Chandler Bing is Matthew Perry’s iconic role in the timeless hit show “Friends.” He’s one of the six characters who reigned pop culture TV from the early 90s to early 2000s.
When we think of Chandler, we think of his brand of sarcasm, impeccable comic timing, his unexpected love story with Monica, and his bromance with Joey. No one cared about Chandler’s work, but there sure are some career lessons I’ve learned from his character that I only realized now.
1. It’s never too late to start a new career
Chandler is a pioneer advocate or a poster child of this familiar saying. Chandler shifted from his high-paying desk job to advertising. It makes sense for someone who effortlessly spits punch lines one after another. Imagine entering a new career in a very competitive industry with nothing but your natural talent. He was restless with the idea — he even took an aptitude test to find the new career he had to pursue! (Thinking that if you transition at his age, you have to be sure!) It was itchy that he knew he had to see the end of it; otherwise, he’d regret it for life. But one thing he was sure of: he wanted something new, a better challenge, a fulfilling career.
As my professor in copywriting said: ‘Pag makati, kamutin.
2. Humility to learn or re-learn things outside your wheelhouse
Chandler’s journey to finding a new career was uncomfortable. He was financially tight-fist for a time. But when he realized he wanted a career in Advertising, Chandler was told he had to start from scratch. In Season 9, Episode 15, he broke the news that he got an internship position with no pay at all. From being an AVP to an agency intern? It’s a drastic, awkward move. But you see, you have to lose some to win some. So, when you’re thinking of going this route, you have to be ready to be humbled. But humility is an opportunity to improve. You have to crack something and prove your way up again, just like Chandler did. After some episodes of self-doubt, he adjusted and mustered up the courage to compete with the younger gen. Life experience is an edge after all.
3. A good salary doesn’t equate to happiness
Yes, Chandler was already AVP when he realized he wanted to be a copywriter. If I were in that state of my career, I knew my parents would say it’s ridiculous to change careers. However, to be practical doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your happiness. Life is too short to settle. Chandler didn’t settle. He was so excited about his copywriting job that the pressure of being ‘outdated’ (as teased by his younger officemates) didn’t even matter. He was excited that even a no-pay internship couldn’t stop him from the career he wanted. It was uncomfortable but worth it in the end. When Chandler’s internship ended, he didn’t get an assistant position, instead, he was offered a higher position: junior copywriter.
The level of fulfillment that Chandler had when his first creative concept got surprisingly approved was the kind of happiness he was longing for. And Chandler finally had it on Season 9.
Each character of FRIENDS represents a different cover story. Rachel once thought she was not trained for anything but shopping. Guess what? Because of her love for shopping, she landed a career in Fashion. Other people may not understand what you do, like Ross, but the important thing is — you love what you do. And the list goes on for Phoebe, Monica, and Joey.
I resonate with Chandler Bing the most and his late quest to find that career. Your willpower is the key to succeeding in this kind of journey. You must be willing to experience the magic and discomfort of new beginnings. But having a solid circle to support you in your career decisions makes a huge difference, timing-wise. Rachel, Ross, Joey, Phoebe, and Monica were there for Chandler.
The biggest take here is this: you’ll never know unless you try. You have the option to stay where you are but stay curious (and regretful) all your life or try and see if that vision of yours is the greener pasture for you.
If you tried and it worked, good for you. If you tried but failed, charge it to experience. The good thing is that you’re able to scratch that curiosity, and you can always go back. When things get tough, remember to begin with the end in mind. For practical reasons and other situations, these may be a long shot for everyone, but I pray you find a job that gives you the security and happiness you deserve.
Because…
life is too short to settle.
Rest in Peace, Matthew Perry. Thank you for the career lessons in the life of Chandler Bing and the life lessons in the life of Matthew Perry. Thank you for the free therapy I never knew I needed. Goodbye, our friend.
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