Top 8 Career Lessons from Squid Game Characters: How Not to Get 'Eliminated' in the Job Market

With Squid Game Season 2 soon to hit screens, fans are gearing up for another thrilling season. But beyond the action and intrigue, Squid Game offers valuable lessons for navigating today’s job market. 

While most of us aren’t facing life-or-death situations at work, the resilience and strategies of its characters provide insights that can help you avoid “elimination” in a competitive job landscape.

Here are the top eight career lessons from Squid Game characters to help you stay in the game.

1. Be Resourceful Like Gi-hun (Seong Gi-hun)

• Lesson: Use Every Resource at Your Disposal.

• Insight: Gi-hun’s survival instincts kick in as he leverages alliances and his street-smarts to outwit challenges.

• Career Tip: At work, being resourceful can set you apart. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek help, or use new tools. Staying open to new skills, colleagues’ insights, and every available resource can make you invaluable.

2. Stick to Your Morals Like Ali Abdul

• Lesson: Integrity Goes a Long Way.

• Insight: Ali’s honesty and loyalty make him a trusted character, but his trust is eventually exploited.

• Career Tip: In the workplace, a reputation for integrity builds trust. However, balance kindness with caution to protect yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve and advocate for yourself, especially during negotiations.

3. Know When to Lead and When to Follow Like Sang-woo

• Lesson: Adapt Your Role to the Situation.

• Insight: Sang-woo demonstrates when to take charge and when to let others lead, strategically positioning himself.

• Career Tip: Recognize when to step up or step back in team settings. Showcase leadership qualities when needed but value the contributions of others. Adaptability in roles can set you apart as a well-rounded team player.

4. Think Strategically Like the Front Man (Hwang In-ho)

 

• Lesson: Strategy and Foresight Are Essential for Growth.

• Insight: The Front Man always has a plan and stays several steps ahead.

• Career Tip: Strategy is a game-changer in your career. Set long-term goals, outline steps to achieve them, and stay adaptable to unexpected changes. Whether charting your career or planning your next project, foresight keeps you one step ahead.

5. Build a Strong Network Like Sae-byeok (Kang Sae-byeok)

• Lesson: Connections are Key to Success.

• Insight: Although fiercely independent, Sae-byeok forms critical alliances that aid her survival.

• Career Tip: Building a network of supportive colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts can be your greatest asset. Attend industry events, keep in touch with former colleagues, and engage in professional communities.

6. Stay Adaptable Like the Salesman (Gong Yoo’s character)

• Lesson: Flexibility and Adaptability are Essential.

• Insight: The Salesman customizes his approach to recruit new players, adapting to different personalities.

• Career Tip: Adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced workplace. Embrace change, learn continually, and tailor your approach to different situations. This flexibility can make you a valuable asset in any team.

7. Play the Long Game Like the VIPs

• Lesson: Think Beyond Short-Term Wins.

• Insight: The VIPs focus on long-term entertainment and gains, keeping a broader view.

• Career Tip: Think strategically about your career path. Focus on roles offering growth, learning, and skill-building, rather than immediate rewards. Investing time and effort in the right places will help build a successful, fulfilling career.

8. Embrace Resilience Like Everyone in the Game

• Lesson: Don’t Give Up, Even When the Odds are Against You.

• Insight: Every character’s resilience drives them through unimaginable challenges.

• Career Tip: In a tough job market, resilience is a superpower. Treat each setback as an opportunity for growth, and remember that persistence leads to success. Resilience will not only help you bounce back but also prepare you for long-term achievements.

In Conclusion: Winning the Career 'Game'

Squid Game characters may live in a fictional world, but their grit, resilience, and adaptability are lessons we can all bring into our professional lives. With resourcefulness, strategy, and integrity, you can navigate your career with confidence and skill.

Stay sharp, plan ahead, and remember – the right strategies will keep you thriving, no matter what the 'game' throws at you!

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Reference Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid_Game_season_2

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/developing-resilience

https://www.forbes.com/sites/pavelkrapivin/2023/10/24/trust-is-key-to-success-at-work/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyanderson/2012/11/28/success-will-come-and-go-but-integrity-is-forever/

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/14/why-integrity-is-an-essential-virtue-for-business-leaders-and-entrepreneurs/

https://hbr.org/2021/06/the-value-of-building-a-strong-professional-network

https://www.coursera.org/learn/strategic-thinking

https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/motivate/202211/why-do-some-people-crumble-under-stress-yet-others-thrive

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/thriving-under-stress

https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/mental-health-in-the-workplace/202410/navigating-a-nation-on-edge-resilience-amid-high-stress