Working Girls (1987) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Tess's Aspirations

   Tess McGill, a working-class woman from Staten Island, dreams of achieving success in the corporate world. Despite her business degree, she faces constant belittlement from her male colleagues at a stockbroker firm in lower Manhattan.

   Where

   Lower Manhattan

2. 2

   Quitting Her Job

   Frustrated by the ongoing humiliation and lack of respect from her superiors, Tess makes a bold decision to quit her job. This marks a significant turning point as she seeks new opportunities that align with her ambitions.

3. 3

   Joining Katharine Parker

   Tess secures a job as an administrative assistant to Katharine Parker, a young associate in Mergers and Acquisitions. Initially supportive, Katharine encourages Tess to share her innovative ideas, which gives her a glimmer of hope.

4. 4

   The Proposal Rejected

   Tess pitches her idea of acquiring a radio network to Katharine, who dismisses it, believing it to be unviable. This rejection deepens Tess's frustration and highlights the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

5. 5

   Katharine's Accident

   After Katharine breaks her leg while skiing, she entrusts Tess with house-sitting duties. During this time, Tess discovers crucial notes that reveal Katharine's plan to steal her merger idea and claim it as her own.

   Where

   Katharine's home

6. 6

   Betrayal in Love

   Returning home, Tess confronts a painful betrayal as she finds her boyfriend cheating on her. Despite his proposal for marriage as a reconciliation gesture, Tess realizes she cannot trust him and decides to end their relationship.

7. 7

   Transforming Appearance

   Seizing the opportunity while Katharine is away, Tess partners with her friend Cyn to change her appearance. They renovate Tess's style to project a more polished and professional image, aligning with her corporate ambitions.

8. 8

   Meeting Jack Trainer

   Tess schedules a meeting with Jack Trainer, an associate from a competing firm. To make a good impression, she attends a dinner hosted by his company, where Jack is intrigued by her, although he keeps his identity hidden.

   Where

   Dinner hosted by Trainer's firm

9. 9

   Morning After Confusion

   The next morning, Tess wakes up believing she spent the night with Jack, only to find him waiting at their scheduled meeting. They both play it cool, despite their awkward yet obvious attraction to one another.

10. 10

    Collaboration Begins

    Despite her initial nerves, Tess impresses Jack with her ideas during their meeting. As they begin collaborating on the financials of her merger plan, their professional relationship quickly evolves into a romantic attraction.

11. 11

    Deception Revealed

    Tess struggles with the idea of revealing the true origins of her merger proposal, especially as she learns that Jack is romantically linked to Katharine. This complicates her feelings as she navigates professional and personal entanglements.

12. 12

    Confrontation During the Meeting

    On the day of the merger meeting, tensions rise as Katharine confronts Tess about her supposed role as a mere secretary and accuses her of stealing the idea. Overwhelmed by the accusation, Tess feels powerless and decides to leave the meeting.

13. 13

    A New Opportunity

    In an unexpected turn, Tess receives an offer for an entry-level position at Trask Industries shortly after Katharine is confronted about Tess's contributions to the merger idea. This moment signifies a shift in her career trajectory.

    Where

    Trask Industries

14. 14

    Reunion with Jack

    Post-offer, Tess reunites with Jack, culminating in an emotional embrace as they acknowledge their feelings for each other. This moment represents not only a personal victory but also a new chapter in Tess's life.

15. 15

    First Day at Trask

    On her first day at Trask, Tess meets her new colleague Alice, who she mistakenly thinks will be her boss. This encounter reveals Tess's commitment to fostering an environment of equality, as she insists on a partnership rather than a hierarchical relationship.

    Where

    Trask Industries

16. 16

    Sharing Her Success

    In a triumphant moment, Tess calls her friend Cyn from her new office, elated to share the news about her job at Trask. This conversation symbolizes her success in overcoming the obstacles she faced in pursuit of her dreams.