I just recently rejoined the working world for the first time in 8 years. It has been a bit of an adjustment, to say the least. Not only am I now trying to juggle commitments for kids and their activities with fewer free hours in a day, but I am also adding new responsibilities to my plate that haven't been there for quite some time. While the concept of working isn't a problem for me, I was not prepared for how completely unprepared I would be in apparently understanding "work lingo" and applying it to my choices. More than once I have actually thought to myself..."I don't think 'Business Casual' means what SHE thinks it means". But then I look around and think maybe I'M the one who doesn't understand what Business Casual means....
When I hear the term "business casual", I imagine people wearing business attire that is a step below suits and ties, and a step below skirts/suits and heels. I imagine people in khakis and dress pants, button down shirts and polo shirts, blouses and nice tops. I imagine people in loafers or dress shoes, flats or low heels, nice shoes. I imagine people in the same sort of clothing they would wear to church, or to dinner at a country club, or out to a nice restaurant.
What I don't imagine is people in beach flip flops and low cut tank tops. What I don't imagine is a shirt with shoulder cut outs that is missing only beaded fringe and air brushing in order to return to the Motley Crue concert from which it apparently originated. What I don't imagine is people wearing lycra or spandex with no undergarments - and yes, it is IMPOSSIBLE not to notice! What I don't imagine is people wearing the same kind of outfits that are seen at frat parties or clubs. What I don't imagine is seeing cleavage - lots of cleavage - and bra straps.
I know I sound like an old fart. You know, the "back in my day folks knew how to dress for work" kinda person. But seriously, I can't help but worry about our standards in the business world and what that means for our standards of business. Sounds weird, I know, but follow me here...
Looking professional takes time and effort. Putting that time and effort into my appearance in the morning means I take pride in how I present myself to the professional world. It means that I care about how I look and how I am perceived by others. I think it indicates an intention to behave professionally, as well as a desire and expectation to be treated professionally in return. So if I want to be treated professionally, I should present myself in a professional manner and behave in such a way that expects professionalism from those around me. I can't dress like a hungover frat-boy while expecting to be treated professionally and respectfully.
Because I believe that, for the most part, people will meet our expectations. If I expect to be treated well, I am more likely to behave in a manner that would lend others to treat me well. If I greet people with a smile, I'm a lot more likely to receive one in return, even if I'm not really "feeling" the smile I give. And if I greet people with a scowl, I'm a lot more likely to be met with rude or impatient behavior in return. I think the same thing goes for how we dress...so, if I'm wearing glorified pajama pants and flip flops to work, I'm a lot less likely to behave like a business professional and be treated as such. And if I'm wearing dress pants, a nice blouse and dress shoes to work, I'm a lot less likely to behave like its a dance party or sleepover, and I'll probably be treated more professionally and maturely as well.
Even if the job is "behind the scenes" and I never come face to face with the public, I firmly believe that I am much more likely to behave and speak professionally on the phone with people when I am in a professional frame of mind. And I don't think a professional frame of mind is achieved in lycra pants and flip flops. I just don't. At least not for me. I think a professional environment where people are dressed as such will bring out a higher level of professional behavior from everyone, both employees and customers. It just makes me sad to see that standard has changed so much from what I remember it being.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised by this behavior, considering some of the things I witnessed by people who were still in the application and interview stage. I don't think I've ever witnessed anyone actually drunk at an interview before. And it would never occur to me to show up for a job interview without a resume, especially when the specific instructions on the job information state to bring a resume. I also don't think I would ever dream of chewing out the receptionist over perceived "inaccurate information" on the job flyer either, as if she personally is responsible for your inability to read the fine print.
Maybe I'm "old fashioned" and maybe I'm "that person" now who will constantly refer to times "back in my day" when things were so much better. And I'm ok with that. Because back in my day, cleavage and bra straps and beach footwear were not considered professional dress. And people actually had to put thought and effort into their personal appearance in order to be taken seriously, and you were rewarded for that effort by being treated to a higher level of professionalism, in the form of promotions and more opportunities for advancement. Promotions were earned by demonstrating you took your job seriously, by dressing for your job in a professional manner. And if you didn't dress seriously, you weren't taken seriously and all the whining in the world wasn't going to get you anywhere but looking for another job. There was a work wardrobe and a play wardrobe, and nary the 2 shall meet. Which is how it should be. At least that is the way it is in my closet and I hope to set an example for my own kids to meet a higher standard for themselves when they enter the work world. I hope they have enough pride in themselves and their appearance to WANT to present themselves seriously and professionally. Because they are going to need to get jobs and keep jobs. Because God knows I'm not gonna support them. I respect them waaaaaaaaay too much to insult them by NOT insisting they stand on their own 2 feet and support themselves....yup. I love them enough to say get the hell outta my house.
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