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Clothes for work
Feb. 2nd, 2008 04:13 pmHi all,
OK, totally different than the fannish stuff I normally post here, but I need to sound off, hopefully this will be quick.
Just got done balancing my checking account and realising just how much I've spent on clothes this week ($170.00 between two stores, and I really should do a bit more shopping. Gods.) Earlier this week I was at Meijer (our local superstore that sells discount merchandise and reasonable groceries) - I spent $59.31 (call it $60) on casual/business casual clothes - three pairs of pants and two shirts. I honetly thought it was a pretty good deal, especially for clothes I can't wear to work.
Which brings me to my soapbox. I teach evening classes in ITT at a technical college. I love it, but I'm a lowly adjunct with no benefits (other than a 403b/401k retirement fund with match). To say the pay isn't that great, well, it's kinda' a understatement. But, like I say, even with all my complaining and moaning, I love it.
I was, however, a little shocked to find out that the dress code is *business*, not *business casual*. Now, to me, that means *suits*/make-up/dress shoes. Fun, huh? I had to scramble when I got the job, because I only had two interview suits (and a few pieces in my wardrobe - that didn't match). I then went through everything, but stuff that didn't fix in a box for charity, figured out what pieces I needed, and went shopping.
Cost a mint! Even with shopping at bargain stores -- just to get enough to wear through the week.
Well, I've gotten a bit tired of wearing the same thing all the time, and I got a catalog in the mail of women's suits (plus size included). I finally got around to ordering today. $105.00 for three suits (two pantsuits and a skirt suit) including shipping. And that's not bad. I just hope everything fits.
But really, especially when you're just starting out, I think businesses that expect fancy business dress should give new employees a stipend! Like, $300 - $500, for clothes.
Gotta run now.
--Olivia
OK, totally different than the fannish stuff I normally post here, but I need to sound off, hopefully this will be quick.
Just got done balancing my checking account and realising just how much I've spent on clothes this week ($170.00 between two stores, and I really should do a bit more shopping. Gods.) Earlier this week I was at Meijer (our local superstore that sells discount merchandise and reasonable groceries) - I spent $59.31 (call it $60) on casual/business casual clothes - three pairs of pants and two shirts. I honetly thought it was a pretty good deal, especially for clothes I can't wear to work.
Which brings me to my soapbox. I teach evening classes in ITT at a technical college. I love it, but I'm a lowly adjunct with no benefits (other than a 403b/401k retirement fund with match). To say the pay isn't that great, well, it's kinda' a understatement. But, like I say, even with all my complaining and moaning, I love it.
I was, however, a little shocked to find out that the dress code is *business*, not *business casual*. Now, to me, that means *suits*/make-up/dress shoes. Fun, huh? I had to scramble when I got the job, because I only had two interview suits (and a few pieces in my wardrobe - that didn't match). I then went through everything, but stuff that didn't fix in a box for charity, figured out what pieces I needed, and went shopping.
Cost a mint! Even with shopping at bargain stores -- just to get enough to wear through the week.
Well, I've gotten a bit tired of wearing the same thing all the time, and I got a catalog in the mail of women's suits (plus size included). I finally got around to ordering today. $105.00 for three suits (two pantsuits and a skirt suit) including shipping. And that's not bad. I just hope everything fits.
But really, especially when you're just starting out, I think businesses that expect fancy business dress should give new employees a stipend! Like, $300 - $500, for clothes.
Gotta run now.
--Olivia
