Do you fantasize about quitting a job that leaves you desk-bound, debt-ridden, and over-burdened? Some of the best career advice we have ever heard comes from a very unlikely source—a bank robber who ended up as Public Enemy Number One.

The “Public Enemies” movie is making big waves in the theaters. Starring A-list actors Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, the film is generating a considerable amount of Oscar buzz. Based on the true story of the Depression-era gangster John Dillinger, the film details the story of a charismatic bank robber whose raids made him the primary target of President J. Edgar Hoover and the newly formed FBI. Since the public had no sympathy for the banks that had plunged the country into the Depression, Dillinger was idolized as a modern-day Robin Hood.

So, how does Dillinger’s story relate to your job search? Dillinger was quoted as saying that he robbed banks because “that’s where the money was”. The bandit risked it all by ditching any ideas of a conventional career to follow his own money-making dreams. Of course, you don’t have to resort to bank-robbery in order to obtain a successful and rewarding career. In fact, you might want to steer clear of the opposite end of the law. What lessons can we learn from John Dillinger to help improve our job search?

• Follow the money – yes, we’re in the midst of a very troubled economy, but keep in mind that John Dillinger and his band of merry men lived during the Great Depression. If you’re looking to earn the big bucks and find a recession-proof job, check out these top five high-earning industries:

1. Health and medical
2. Engineering
3. Pharmacy
4. Marketing managers
5. Computer programmers

• Be smarter and faster than your competition – what can you do to set yourself ahead from the other people who are applying to the same jobs? First, you should make sure that you have a stellar resume and a well-written cover letter. Check out our interview tips to learn how to impress a potential employer.

• Get an education – the best way to get out of a dead-end job is to prove that you’re worth more money. The more you learn and know, the more you get paid. This means that the best way to move up the corporate ladder is to get an education! By going to college, you will be gaining the knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field.

John Dillinger’s story is so appealing because we can all empathize with his character. Too many of us are stuck in the daily grind, work too much for a small paycheck, and don’t have enough free time. This makes many people nostalgic for the days of the outlaw, where anything was possible.

The moral of the story is—don’t let anything hold you back from pursuing a better job! Taking risks and pursuing your passion are two of the best things that you can do to advance in your career. While it’s not exactly socially-acceptable to hold up a bank, John Dillinger can teach us that the best way to get ahead is to take a proactive approach to your future. So, take some action!