Fresh Off The Job Hunt

A recent post on Jezebel informed me of what I could probably have learned many other places: that Barbie has two new careers, chosen by the people of the internet.

Us grown-ups, myself included, voted for Barbara Millicent Roberts to take a turn as a computer engineer. A focus group of little girls, or the kids that toy commercials are talking to when they say "Ask your mom or dad to help you log on to our website!", elected for Barbie to slip into the stylish pink blazer and schlubby pajama bottoms of a news anchor. Either one sounds like it'll be a pretty sweet gig, a step up from some of her previous careers like a McDonald's cashier, a cowgirl or a Canadian Mountie (really?).

When the voting was announced, and a friend posted it on Facebook, I suggested another option: as a sign of the times, Unemployed Barbie. She could wear the same pajama pants that go with her anchorwoman outfit (so very versatile, those pink plaids!), but pair it with a holey sweatshirt and mismatched socks. Accessories could include a remote control and a few packs of Ramen.

And let's face it, even of those who are employed these days, many are underemployed. What else could Barbie be? Bartender Barbie wears jeans with a bottle opener in the back pocket and comes with a pack of cigarettes and a shift beer (maybe the kind, like those toy baby bottles, that appears to empty as you hold it upside down?). Admin Assistant Barbie wears the least dressy clothes she can get away with and comes with a computer with tabs open to Facebook, Perez Hilton and the company homepage (to toggle to, just in case). Best Buy Barbie wears-- well, you know what she wears-- and tries to sell you an extended warranty.

One last question: Does it really look good to a potential employer to switch careers as much as Barbie has over the years? I mean, really, what kind of loyalty to an industry does that show? Her resume comes off as a bit flighty and indecisive.