Biz Bits

The next time you land a big busines s deal, jot down your John

Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2008

www.faber-castell.de • $3,000

Only in production until December, this herringbone-patterned, Indian satinwood fountain pen features a platinum-plated cap and end piece. The 18-karat gold nib comes in fine, medium and broad widths to suit your writing needs.

Namiki “Fall Flowers” Fountain Pen

• www.namiki.com • $4,000

This medium-point fountain pen from the Yukari Royale Collection is hand painted using centuries-old Japanese lacquering techniques. It may look too beautiful to use, but it’s precision nib and high-quality ink prove otherwise.

Montblanc StarWalker Rollerball Pen

www.montblanc-us.com • $430

Take note of the “floating” signature Montblanc star in the transparent top of this fine-lined pen, which features a black rubber-like barrel and cap with diamond-cut lines.

Mercedes-Benz Executive Rollerball Pen

www.accessories.mbusa.com • $130

Part of the luxury auto brand’s lifestyle collection, this simple yet sophisticated writing utensil is made from fine Napa leather trim and 925 sterling silver.

Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen

• www.pilotpen.us • $140

Make your mark with this refined instrument, which boasts a large, durable metal body and retractable 18-karat gold fountain pen nib in fine, medium or broad widths. Shown here in Blue Carbonesque.

BIG SCREEN BUSINESS

Who says work can’t make for good entertainment? These movies with “business” in the title dazzled audiences and earned nominations.

RISKY BUSINESS

Golden Globe (Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy/Musical); Writer’s Guild of America Award (Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen)

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Golden Laurel Award (Male Comedy Performance); WGA Award (Best Written American Musical)

THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS

Academy Awards (Best Costume Design, Best Score of a Musical Picture, Best Writing for Motion Picture Story); WGA Award (Best Written American Musical)

THE GREAT ESCAPE

If you think it’s impossible to love work, maybe you just have the wrong job.

Sure, most people have thought about leaving corporate life behind, but was it just idle dreaming of writing the next great novel or lying on a beach without a care in the world? Or is the 9-to-5 world really dragging you down? Pamela Skillings, who left a six-figure salary in marketing to pursue writing, can help you figure out if your career path is the right one—and if it isn’t, what steps to take to re-route it.

Escape From Corporate America: A Practical Guide to Creating the Career of Your Dreams

(Ballantine Books, $15) helps you assess how bad things are now, then offers options for improvement:

KISS ANOTHER FROG

The point isn’t that corporations are bad—maybe just the one you work for is. You may be able to find a position similar to yours at a smaller or less bureaucratic company, or with more supportive co-workers. Don’t give up your paycheck and benefits without seeing what else is out there.

TRY A SOLO ACT

Technology is making it easier to run a business without employees. What starts out as hobby blogging can lead to a lucrative freelance or consulting business, either on the side or full-time. You can make all the decisions and be as creative as you would like.

DO A GOOD DEED

Without making a career change, you may find that spending time teaching children, helping the elderly or working at an animal shelter provides the fulfillment your job lacks. If you find you want to do this full-time, schools and nonprofits are always hiring, provided you can afford the pay cut.

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

More and more companies are allowing telecommuting or flexible scheduling. Maybe it’s the cubicle farm, not the work, that’s getting you down. If not, look into your company’s leave policy, and take time to figure out your next move.

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Leave your job, follow your creative dreams, and start a business. Use the book’s work sheets to figure out how you will afford it and how to go about, well, being an entrepreneur. It may be scary, and it may take time, but it might be the best thing you’ll ever do.