‘Take this job and shove it!”
Even if you’ve never heard the 1977 Johnny Paycheck tune, you’ve probably dreamed of screaming that phrase at least once. Now, that’s the way you quit your job.
When you start working, you’re likely to change jobs a few times. Sometimes it’s because the job wasn’t what you thought it would be. Sometimes it’s an issue with co-workers or management.
But most people eventually settle into a long-term job – until something better comes along.
As you become more experienced, you can move to positions that are more interesting, challenging or fulfilling.
Nobody questions this. In fact, most of us would congratulate someone who’s moving on to something different. Somehow, we don’t offer actors that luxury.
NCIS’s Cote de Pablo, who has played Ziva David for the past eight years shocked everyone recently when she decided to leave the show.
Producers were also caught off-guard and have since been scrambling to tie up the Tony-Ziva storyline in just a handful of episodes.
It’s this huge question mark that has fans rushing to message boards and Twitter to voice their feelings.
Some have vowed never to watch again. Some have complained that after eight years of “foreplay” between Tony and Ziva, they’re being cheated of a payoff. Others are angry that the “ungrateful” actress is abandoning her fans and the show that brought her fame and fortune. (Their words. Not mine.)
What’s impressive is how personally many viewers have taken de Pablo’s decision. After eight seasons, she wants to try something new. And she has options.
Besides, de Pablo’s not the only one to leave a hit show. Rob Lowe has made it his life’s work to quit his job; first The West Wing, then Brothers & Sisters, and soon, Parks and Recreation.
Mandy Patinkin was skewered by fans and the industry alike when he walked away from Criminal Minds after the second season. Given the intensity of his character and the darkness of the subject matter, can you blame the guy for not wanting to work with serial killer storylines every day?
It simply wasn’t the job he thought it would be. So he quit.
Television is an industry that could best be described as “transient.” Everything is short term.
People do their jobs; but at the same time, they’re building their résumé so they can move on to a larger audience, a more prestigious network. Because in this industry, it’s all about the next gig.
Imagine the changes de Pablo’s exit will bring to NCIS. After all, there have been a few stale episodes. And this fall, McGee’s getting a girlfriend.
With any luck, Tony will grow up. And Jimmy’s ripe for a new storyline. It’s all good, people.
So let them go to bigger and better things. Don’t worry. There’s plenty more where they came from.
