Reality Check

Everyone has that moment when they realize they are not as good as they thought they were.

I was never taught how to dress and how to present yourself as a professional. These are things I had to teach myself through observation and speculation; and I thought I had eventually got this thing called professionalism in the bag. However, that is not to say I used what was observed and applied it to my life in general. I still have a lot of areas on which I am to work on like the way I dress. To me looking presentable and clean is considered professional in my book; yet to others professionalism is presentation, cleanliness, as well as certain attire. Such clothing's like tights are unacceptable wear for an office setting.

I was not raised in a professional setting, my mother never wore clothes that suggested business and classy. So I grew up thinking that how one dress for the club would also be how one would dress for work--minus the skin showing. The tight clothes and the high heel boots, and the make-up, hairstyles, etc. But I was just informed this is not the case and I should change the way I present myself in the office. I work at a college and I should not look like the students. However, I am one of the students. I am no different than them. The difference lies in my occupation not in the mindset of how I perceive things. Now do not get me wrong I do not come to work dressed like a w***e or s**t; but today I realized I do not come to work dressed like a business woman either. I figured if I looked like a lady then that was fine but looking like one is the farthest thing from the truth.

My supervisor just used a very tactical move in order to address a concerned issue of hers with me. Instead of addressing me directly she came in the office and started up a conversion with another employee discussing the issue in general and her viewpoint on the subject. This way I would not feel singled out yet understand where she is coming from. I must say I like this technique and I heard loud and clear what is expected of me. However, if I am not taught to do something ...different then all I know is all I can do. The expectations we put on others are not at all unrealistic but do we ever consider that just maybe they do not know how to do or be what is expected of them because they were never taught? We are forever assuming people know things they do not even if it screams common sense. Well sense is not all that common and assuming makes an a*s out of you and me. But for the sake of argument I'll sit back, nod my head, and relish on the idea that people will never change.

I hate that I cannot be myself, that everything is about assimilating myself, and always needing to be politically correct; despite the fact that my job is done and very well I might add. Anything I do I do to the best of my ability; yet that does not count and it should. I do understand that upholding yourself to a certain standard and maintaining a sense of authority through dress wear; but what I do not understand is the need to be something I'm not just to please those above me. What if I cannot afford a business attire or heels that match my outfit or the fresh new dew in order to stay afloat--would that...no should that play a part in my ability to perform my job duties?