So, I’m working in an office now. It’s a contract gig, and I like it a lot. I like the fact that I’m getting paid decently to do what I do best—write, edit, design, and communicate. I like my colleagues. I like my office [not a cubicle! it has a door that closes! and a dual screen monitor set up! and my own thermostat, so I don't freeze!], the free lunches, the gym membership, and the freedom to listen to Pandora while I’m working.
However, I’m sorely lacking in the professional dress department. I have never, ever been one to toe the line on dressing exactly how people expect me to. I’m lucky to have casual Friday; otherwise, I might have to do two loads of laundry a week instead of one.
I can see the benefits of it, really. I enjoy wearing costumes on stage, and wearing a certain type of clothing for work activities should appeal to that part of me. I understand the emphasis on professional appearance so that clients will take you seriously. I can see how dressing in a certain way indicates your respect for your colleagues and your place of employment, and the ideals they stand for.
But to be honest, I don’t get it. I don’t work with clients. Most of the time I’m locked in my office on conference calls with developers or attorneys—calls in which they don’t see me or what I’m wearing. And I know it’s young and idealistic of me, but I wish it were the case that I’d been hired solely for my copywriting and design skills rather than for my adherence to a code of conduct and dress that’s not really my own…and I wish I had the client base to say that if a client didn’t approve of the way I dressed, I didn’t need to work with him. This isn’t Sterling Cooper, yes?
Do you all have any thoughts on professional attire? What do you wear to work? Or, what would you wear to work if you could wear anything you wanted?
Related posts:
- Business Professional: Oh HELL No.
- Things I Do At Work To Make The Days Better, Happier, and More Productive
- My Ideal Uniform
But there are such cute work-friendly dresses! That’s how I survived at the lobbying firm. Happily, though, I get to wear jeans and a hoodie to work here, unless I’m meeting with some fancy pants politician. But I’ll admit, I think I look cuter in the hoodie.
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I’m terrible at dressing professionally. I mean, terrrrrible.
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