6 Valuable Skills All Your Part-Time Jobs Taught You

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When you’re updating your resume — or worse, starting one from scratch — that page on your screen can look all too blank, and the blinking cursor can feel nothing short of menacing. Pipe down, blinking cursor (and maybe pour us a glass of wine while you’re at it)! This task is hard enough without your bad attitude. While this kind of work is stressful under the best of circumstances, we’re here to give you some good news that should make your life a lot easier next time you decide to attack it. That empty space is going to get filled faster than you think: You’ve picked up plenty of skills in your part-time retail and restaurant gigs that can be effectively marketed and applied in whatever industry you’ve found your dream job.

Whether you bused tables in high school, paid your way through college as the assistant manager at a trendy boutique, or just really love working in the restaurant biz, you’ve racked up tons of important experience that you may not have even thought to add to your resume. According to Patrice Rice, founder of the hospitality recruiting group Patrice & Associates, a lot of folks sell themselves short when it comes time to extend their job search. “Many people view a restaurant or retail job simply as a temporary bridge to a full-time career in another field,” she explains, but that’s not so! The time you’ve spent on the job in these industries is valuable, and you can make it work harder for you in the long run by being strategic in the way you present it to potential future employers in your resume. Here are six specific skills you’ve picked up working in the restaurant or retail world that Rice says you can — and should — market in pursuit of your dream career.

1. Customer Service: “Among other skills, you learn how to be polite, deal with the public, and handle all types of people (from friendly to ferocious),” Rice tells us. “These skills will help advance a career in any field.” True!

2. Prioritization: If you’ve spent any time working in a store or restaurant, you know better than most how to manage a long list of must-dos that seems to constantly be changing — and you probably know how to juggle them when they’re unexpected and coming at you at lightning speed too! That ability to anticipate needs, react quickly, and know what’s really most important at any given time will serve you well just about anywhere. “All businesses are driven by the bottom line,” observes Rice, “and understanding the activities that quickly affect the bottom line is a basic lesson that will carry on to careers in other industries.”

3. Teamwork: If teamwork really does make the dream work, then retail and restaurant experience might just be what dreams are made of. Don’t underestimate all the ways in which those part-time gigs have taught you how to play nicely (and professionally!) with others.

4. Selling a Concept: Even if you weren’t officially working in a fancy-sounding sales capacity at the time, we both know that you built some pretty impressive selling muscles in your job as a restaurant server or retail associate. You’d better be selling those skills on your resume, no matter what your long-range career goals are. Strong communication and persuasive abilities, Rice reminds us, are important in any field.

5. Good Work Ethic: Some may argue that you can’t teach someone a good work ethic, insisting instead that it’s a fundamental personality trait, and either you’ve got it or you don’t. Tell that to someone who’s worked in a store or restaurant! In these fast-paced environments, there’s minimal tolerance for lateness, laziness, and bad attitudes. Getting your feet wet in the working world with that kind of intense discipline is a major benefit in all future endeavors.

6. Working With Difficult People: “In restaurant and retail [as in all jobs], you have to learn how to work with people that you don’t like,” Rice says. “As a result, you develop skills such as learning how to focus on what you can control, not taking a negative attitude personally, and maintaining a positive attitude. Such skills transfer to any job and can set an employee up for success at work.” Wouldn’t life in any office be so much easier if everyone had more practice communicating and collaborating with people who aren’t destined to be their work BFFs?

What other skills can you put to work in a long-term career? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

There's arguably nothing worse than dealing with a passive-aggressive boss. Rather than laying their grievances out on the line, they use indirect communication that leaves you feeling confused, frustrated, and unsure of how to respond without escalating the situation.

But whether it's a sarcastic remark, a roundabout criticism, or a backhanded compliment, handling these statements with calculated grace is key. So, here are 10 smart responses you can use on your boss the next time they make passive-aggressive comments.

Scroll to find out what you should say when your boss makes another passive-aggressive comment at work.

1. Clarify & Confirm

Marcus Aurelius

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a wild remark from your boss that practically made you do a double-take? If so, don't be afraid to respectfully ask for clarification, forcing them to expand on their perspective without any ambiguity.

For instance, saying something like, "I just want to make sure I understand you currently. Are you saying that..." and paraphrasing their comment is a powerful tool. Not only will it avoid miscommunication, but it will also make your boss address their issue with you head-on.

2. Ask For Their Feedback

Edmond Dantès

We can only learn and grow in environments that challenge us while supporting us along the way. However, passive-aggressive bosses may resort to beating around the bush, making offhand critiques about your work that are vague yet still hurtful.

You can urge your employer to be more straightforward with you by telling them point-blank, "I value your feedback." Asking for open dialogue as opposed to one-off comments will show that you're receptive to constructive criticism and encourage your boss to be a stronger leader.

3. Politely Challenge

Vlada Karpovich

Whether your boss tries to guilt-trip you by implying you're not doing enough or praises you in a sarcastic manner, you can always politely challenge them, too.

Try saying, "It seems like you're hinting at something. Could you be more direct so I can address it appropriately?" Your boss will be put on the spot and driven to share their true feelings without the white noise.

4. Show Understanding

Edmond Dantès

Passive aggression shouldn't be acceptable in workplaces, but sometimes, showing compassion and understanding can help diffuse these all-too-common situations.

As hard as it may be, giving your boss some grace and acknowledging their apparent frustrations may be enough to get you both on the same page.

For instance, saying something such as, "It sounds like you might be feeling irritated. Let's figure out what we can do to fix it together," can encourage teamwork and put a stop to the indirect blame game.

5. Maintain Professional Distance

Thirdman

When passive-aggressive statements start to feel catty in the office, it's not just hurtful; it also retracts from productivity and can lessen the quality of completed work.

To cleverly call out your boss while shifting attention back to the matter at hand, you can respond with, "I'm not sure I follow the tone of your comment. Let's focus on our work so we can move forward."

6. Stay Calm & Collected

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It can be tempting to go on the offensive in passive-aggressive situations. Even so, staying cool as a cucumber will reinforce your professionalism and prevent a full-blown stand-off from occurring.

All you have to say is, "I hear your concerns, and I'll focus on improving that moving forward." It's direct, indicates you understand your boss' grievances, and should keep them from harping on.

7. Redirect To Next Steps

Christina Morillo

One of the biggest issues with passive aggression is that it makes someone's issue with you indirectly apparent. Yet, it can be tough to know exactly how to fix their problem moving forward, given they're beating around the bush.

Let's say your boss makes a snarky remark about a PTO request or acts unsatisfied with a project you completed. Don't hesitate to ask, "So, what next steps should we take to ensure this doesn't happen again?"

8. Make It Clear That You're There To Grow

Antoni Shkraba

You could be early in your career or an industry veteran. Either way, vague passive-aggressive statements about performance can be equally hurtful (not to mention unhelpful).

A smart way to respond is by saying, "I'm here to learn and grow." It makes your intentions crystal clear, reminds your boss that you're only human, and could open up conversations about avenues for improvement.

9. Share How You Value Your Professional Relationship

Christina Morillo

All relationships, from romantic and platonic to professional, rely on mutual respect and communication. Passive aggression is a sign of disrespect, but you can help turn interactions with your boss around by saying, "I value our professional relationship."

It will successfully set a positive tone and convey that you want a healthy working relationship. It may also help your boss realize that they haven't been treating you the way they'd like to be treated.

10. Set Boundaries

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Finally, the most direct approach is to confront your boss' passive-aggressive attitude by setting firm boundaries. This can be uncomfortable, but with the right tact and professionalism, it can be very powerful.

For example, consider using this statement: "I believe in having open and honest communication. Can we make sure we're on the same page moving forward?"

It makes your desire for transparency clear and forces your boss to rise to your expectations.

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Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is back for another season of snooping and stalking in New York City, and thanks to the new You season 5 trailer, we know exactly when this new TV show is returning. In addition to showing us characters from the past like Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), and Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle), Joe straight-up says goodbye to the one person who's always been there: you. Yep, Netflix went there.

“Every season they manage to find new space to make it interesting and relevant,” Penn Badgley told Tudum. “And this season, I think somehow coming back to where it started allowed for it to just become grounded in the way that it needs to also have this kind of spectacular finish.”

Here's the latest update on Penn Badgley's You season 5.

The You season 5 trailer teases the beginning of the end.

The official You season 5 trailer talks about a universal truth: the fact that love tests us. (Gosh, don't I know it.) And TBH, it kind of just reemphasizes that Joe is cuh-razy.

We also get a look at his new love interest Kate, and hear that this "is the last time" Joe's going to be tested. Run girl!!

"Hello, you. Do you remember me? Cause I remember you," Joe asks in the You season 5 teaser, over shots of New York City and Mooney's Books. "Here we are together again, back to where it began."

"A lot has happened these many years together," he continues. "Identities, cities, loves, complications." The trailer is a walk down memory lane for viewers and for Joe as he remembers Beck, Love, and Marienne — and locking them up. Plus some fights and escapes he made along the way.

"All that led me here to now, to where I as always meant to be," he says. "And the one constant, the one thing that has always been there for me, is you. You who have been there the whole time and will be there with me to the end. Goodbye, you."

Okay, this is totally giving me Black Mirror, metaverse vibes, especially since Joe's in his creepy underground bunker with all that blue lighting. I have chills down my spine just watching this!

Is season 5 of You coming out?

Yes, You season 5 is dropping on Netflix April 24, 2025.

We've been waiting for new episodes since season 4 premiered in 2023, but the writers and stars have been planning Joe's ending for much longer. "We have some ideas that we've been talking about pretty much from the beginning," Sera Gamble told EW when she was showrunner in 2023. "It's really the debate about what kind of justice would be fair and appropriate for a guy like Joe. And then do we believe that he would get that kind of punishment? My short answer is like, maybe not from the American system. But there might be other ways. So that's the stuff we're talking about."

But whatever these writers and directors have up their sleeves, Penn Badgley promises You season 5 will come to a "perfect" conclusion. “I would love for people to just be like, ‘Wow, it’s over and I feel good and I don’t want to watch it again,'" he told Harper's Bazaarin March of 2023. And honestly, a perfect ending is all TV fans can hope for these days, right?

Who's in the You season 5 cast?

The final season of You stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

Are you excited for the final season of You? I cannot wait to see the way Penn Badgley and Netflix bring the show to a close. Follow us on Facebook for the latest You season 5 news — and updates on all your favorite TV shows!

This post has been updated.

Audiences loved the way Greta Gerwig's Little Women brought all four March sisters to life, and Netflix's Anne with an E became so popular that when the show was canceled after season 3, 1.7 million fans signed a petition to revive the series. It all just proves that classic adaptations can make the original story even more powerful.

And the newest movie based on a book is going to be one we think about forever — and not just because of its cast. Emerald Fennell (who you'll recognize from The Crown and her work as writer & director on Satburn) is adapting Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are leading the cast!

The book, published in 1847, continues to grip readers, and it's become the blueprint for moody complexity — just like Emerald Fennell's Promising Young Woman, which won the Oscar for Best Screenplay thanks to its scathing look at sexual assault. Well, the Em's are coming together for this new adaptation.

Here's everything we know about Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights — and your first look at the movie.

Here's Your First Look At 'Wuthering Heights'

The first look at Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights is getting some seriously mixed reactions. The photo features a close-up image of someone (maybe Margot Robbie's) with their fingers and a few blades of grass in their mouth.

"CAN NOT WAIT," one Instagram user said, along with a couple fire emojis. But the intimate (and somewhat shocking) image also has some users asking, "what in the saltburn?"

Is Wuthering Heights going to be in theaters?

Focus Features

It appears director Emerald Fennell and producer Margot Robbie are pushing for a theatrical release, which is why they've reportedly turned down a Netflix offer of $150 million.

Despite the fact Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said theatrical releases are "just not our business," and the company has stuck to at-home streaming instead, they did break that pattern for Knives Out: Glass Onion in 2022. The movie appeared in around 600 theaters the day before Thanksgiving, but left a week later ahead of its December 23 debut on the streamer.

Co-CEO Reed Hastings told The Hollywood Reporter that keeping the movie in theaters could have made Netflix more money, but later said they just wanted to "break through the noise" and get movie lovers excited for the film to come to Netflix.

All that to be said, Margot Robbie (whose Barbie made over $1 billion worldwide) and Emerald Fennell (whose Promising Young Woman nabbed her an Oscar win and two other nominations) know how to capture the imaginations of movie lovers everywhere. And it could definitely be in their favor to stick to a theatrical release. Stay tuned for official news on where you can watch Wuthering Heights!

Who's in the new Wuthering Heights movie?

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Wuthering Heights Cast

The Wuthering Heights movie will be led by Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, respectively. Margot will also produce with her production company LuckyChap, which worked behind the scenes on Emerald Fennell's Saltburn and Promising Young Woman.

While some fans were initially excited about the casting, others were concerned about the fact that in the book, Heathcliff is described as "dark skinned." He also tells Nelly that, "I wish I had light hair and a fair skin, and was dressed, and behaved as well, and had a chance of being as rich as he will be!" Um, it looks like Jacob Elordi definitely has fair skin to me.

"Heathcliff is described as a dark-skinned brown man in the book and a major plot point is that he was subjected to racist abuse by his adopted family," one tweet (which has over 8 million views) says. "But yeah sure Jacob Elordi is perfect!"

Another says, "Film studios will say 'We are committed to diverse casting' and then cast Jacob Elordi to play Heathcliff, one of the more famous people of color in literature, whose race is crucial to both his character and the story."

Check back here to see who will play characters like Edgar Linton, Nelly Dean, Isabella Linton, and Lockwood.

When is Wuthering Heights coming out?

Warner Bros. Pictures

Wuthering Heights Release Date

Wuthering Heights will premiere on February 14, 2026. Happy Valentine's Day!

What is Wuthering Heights about?

Amazon

Wuthering Heights Plot

Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights follows the Earnshaws and the Lintons, who are living in the Yorkshire Moors in the 1880s. Their lives change forever when the Earnshaws take in Heathcliff. Like any good dramatic novel, passion lies beneath proper connections, marriages, and societal expectations — and despite Catherine and Heathcliffe's feelings for each other, they have to choose between security and love.

Check out 16 New Movies Based On Books To Add To Your Watchlist to inspire your next movie night!

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This post has been updated.

Every Gilmore Girls rewatch gives us new details to love about Lorelai, Rory, and town of Stars Hollow: Lorelai's amazing sense of style, the cozy fall setting, and all the underrated characters we know like the back of our hands. But there are also plenty of moments in the series' 7-season run that fans don't like at all. Here are just a few.

Keep reading for the 10 worst moments in Gilmore Girls, from Rory's multiple affairs to Lorelai just up and ditching Max.

1. Rory sleeping with Dean while he was married to Lindsay.

Warner Bros. Television

The end of season 4 marks one of the first big plot points Gilmore Girls fans hate. Rory loses her virginity to Dean, who (for some reason) she calls "my Dean"...despite the fact he's married to Lindsay. It's a huge moral lapse and shows that Rory genuinely thinks she can always get her way.

2. Rory's affair with Logan in 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.'

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

You'd think Rory would learn her lesson after hooking up with Dean blew up in her face...but apparently not because in A Year in the Life, she's having an affair with an engaged Logan. Come ON y'all, what are you doing!?

3. Rory dropping out of Yale & stealing a yacht.

Warner Bros. Television

While we're on the topic of Logan and Rory, her impulsive decision to drop out of Yale and commit theft in season 5 (after Logan's dad tells Rory she doesn't have what it takes to be a good journalist) nearly derails her entire life.

4. Lorelai and Rory's rift.

Warner Bros. Television

There's really a butterfly effect in place here because after Lorelai learns Rory drops out of Yale, they have a huge falling out...and barely speak for months. The fact that the entire TV show hinges on Lor and Rory's relationship, and their love for each other, makes this one of the worst Gilmore Girls moments.

5. Literally anything to do with Lorelai and Christopher.

Warner Bros. Television

Christopher is the ultimate Gilmore Girls villain, and he proves over and over again that he won't be there for the Gilmore girls. And that's what makes Lorelai constantly returning to him — especially when someone as constant and caring as Luke is RIGHT THERE — so frustrating.

6. Rory being a horrible journalist.

Warner Bros. TV

Not having pitches prepared and falling asleep while listening to a source? You know what...maybe Mitchum was right and Rory really doesn't have what it takes to be a journalist.

7. Rory missing Lorelai's graduation.

Warner Bros. Television

After Lorelai sacrificed so much for Rory, GG fans agree that Rory choosing her mom's graduation day to visit Jess in New York (when she could have chosen any other day) is one of the worst Gilmore Girls moments. And not only did she miss the ceremony, she lost Lorelai's present too!

8. Jackson's vasectomy disaster.

Warner Bros. Television

When Melissa McCarthy got pregnant in real life, Amy Sherman-Palladino decided to write it into the show...and decided that Jackson would lie about getting a vasectomy and then get Sookie pregnant. Such a strange and icky plotline that viewers are not fans of.

9. Luke hiding April from Lorelai.

Suzanne Hanover/Netflix

Gilmore Girls lovers all agree that Luke is one of their favorite characters...and that the way he handles learning he has a daughter leaves something to be desired. Plus, Luke hiding April's existence from Lorelai? I understand where the Reddit user who considers the plot "unnecessary and lazy" is coming from.

10. Lorelai ditching Max ahead of their wedding.

Warner Bros. Television

Max was genuinely such a good guy (not to mention the fact he proposes to Lor with a thousand yellow daisies!!!), which makes the fact she randomly ghosts him ahead of their wedding so much worse.

11. Lane getting pregnant.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

First off, let me say that of course there's nothing wrong with wanting to start a family. But GG fans have always felt frustrated by the fact all Lane wanted was to be drummer, then had to shelve those dreams for a bit when she learned she was expecting. Why couldn't she have her cake and eat it too?!

What's your pick for the worst Gilmore Girls moment? Let us know on Facebook!

Spring is my favorite time of year not only for the warmer temperatures, but because it signals a much-needed change in my wardrobe. Where heavy coats and turtlenecks were once in rotation (or, let's be real, t-shirts and sweatpants), light layers and flowy dresses come out to play.

Even in light of this transitional time, I still find myself reaching for boots to pair with any and every outfit I put together! There's a perfect pair of spring boots for you, too, whether you like a Western-inspired look or a more practical walking boot.

Scroll on for the best of this season's spring boots to step out in utter style!

Nordstrom

Dingo Harlee Moto Boots

An easy way to transition moto boots from winter to spring is to snag 'em in a lighter color, as opposed to an all-black pair. These mid-calf boots from Dingo have all the classic details (that go with every outfit!), from the hooped harness to the top buckle.

Anthropologie

Frye Campus Boots

You can also never go wrong with this beloved boot from Frye. The light, banana-colored leather is quite literally the perfect hue for wearing with everything in your spring wardrobe!

Nordstrom

Madewell The Darcy Ankle Boots

If taller spring boots don't speak to your style (or your comfort levels), ankle boots are the way to go! This sleek, pointed pair comes in a handful of colors – for spring, opt for lighter shades, but if you're shopping for an all-season boot, black will never fail.

SeaVees

SeaVees Bolinas Off Shore Boots

These 100% waterproof natural rubber boots will come in super handy on rainy spring days! They're extremely easy to put on (thanks to the pull tabs) and walk in since they're fashioned with a memory foam footbed.

Tecovas

Tecovas The Cassie Boots

Western wear is one of my personal favorite fashion trends, so I will always support cowgirl-esque boots like these for any season – but these could look so stunning with a swingy spring dress! The sheen of these leather cuties ultimately make them more fashion-forward than your typical Western boot, plus they're comfy enough to wear on a night out.

Nordstrom

Dingo Anarchy Leather Booties

These adorable booties give the moto energy your spring 'fits are craving, all without the restriction of a traditional tall boot! While you could shop 'em in black, brown, or olive, this rustic red color might just be exactly what you need to infuse a bit of color into your spring looks.

Free People

Free People Hybrid Harness Boots

Okay, yes! These boots are downright dreamy. Not quite a full boot, they boast hints of clogs and loafers, too, offering a playful preppy look – just the energy we all need for the new season! I would style them with some socks, a mini skirt, and light sweater to step out on the town this spring.

Rothy's

Rothy's The Classic Boots

Rothy's boots are ideal for the commuter or just the comfy shoe-lover. Fashioned with a bespoke insole, they offer "unbelievable, cushion-like comfort" with every step. Plus, the material is made with a bit of stretch for added room. This leopard print pair would make the perfect statement shoe for springtime, though they also come in a few other solid colorways.

Urban Outfitters

Steve Madden Rocky Buckled Tall Boots

If your personal style leans more edgy, you're likely already in love with these buckled boots. Though they make a perfect match for baggy or cuffed jeans in the wintertime, you should totally show off the whole shoe for spring by wearing them with a mini skirt or dress!

Anthropologie

Matisse Sienna Western Boots

These Western boots are everything! The floral stitching recalls spring in the most stylish way, plus, thanks to the solid black colorway, you'll be able to pair them seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe.

Urban Outfitters

Hunter Micah Lug Sole Rain Boots

It can be a real challenge to balance style and practicality when ti comes to spring boots. Luckily, with these Hunter boots, you don't have to sacrifice either. The lug sole and waterproof outer can easily tackle rainy terrain while the cushioned footbed ensures comfort along the way.

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