~ Week in Review ~

Does anybody really want to work?

Week of September 17th

I've been out of graduate school and working for about 3 years now.... and this week I seriously questioned, "Does anybody really want to work"?

Once I arrive to work on Monday mornings I either encounter or over hear greetings and responses from coworkers and other building dwellers:

"Good morning" with 2 possible responses 1) "its Monday!" or 2) "As good as it gets for a Monday" in a rather disgruntled, even irritated tone. What a way to start the work week. I mean, Mondays are rough for me too, but I try to fake it till I make it ~ through the day that is. With the 2 day weekends not being enough time to fully recuperate from the previous 5 day work week, it is understandable to be agitated at being back at work again. But I say - FAKE IT, people, don't bring everyone else down. Some people are actually trying to hype themselves up.

We then move on to Tuesday mornings; I'm in the the break room making my usual morning cup of oatmeal and in comes a fellow building mate, I say, "Good Morning" - they say - "Is today only Tuesday?" Did you honestly think it was Friday already you lazy bum - how much work did you get done yesterday that has you thinking its the end of the week already?

Wednesday becomes "Hump Day" because we are now getting over the hump and on a downward spiral towards the end of the week. I've noticed at this point employees are trying to put some pep in their step and get positive and motivated to make it to the finish line, we call "Friday".

Thursday takes people to the point of desperation, begging for the weekend. I hear numerous times a day, "I can't wait until Friday" and "I wish it were tomorrow already, like if its said enough we will time travel at warp speed into Friday at exactly 4:59pm.

If one just so happens to make it to Friday, everyone is thanking God and Goodness because they have survived the week. I hear cheerful voices greeting and shouting "Happy Friday" as I walk throughout the building.

Let us try to be a little more positive people. Apparently we have to work otherwise we wouldn't be subjecting ourselves to this torture every week.

.....Better Luck next week!

"The Code"

In most jobs there are dress codes--whether it is a uniform, business causal or formal business attire, it is understood that you are exchanging a paycheck with your freedom to dress as you please. Some company's employee handbooks will outline the do's and don'ts, while others just have a blanket statement of being dressed professional, clean, and neat. Whose idea of professional, clean and neat?

The interpretation for professional, clean and neat of course differs from person to person. The workplace already has its rules and regulations, on work ethics, internet use and the like, and now one's sense of style is being restricted! I guess this is what you have to put up with when you "stay in the loop" of Corporate America.

Look on the bright side Ladies and Gents. Check out the latest work foot wear for ladies and shirts and ties for the men--these trends are sure to keep you in line with your dress code and at the same time show off your sense of style........

Ladies, please don't kill your feet all week-- you can dance the night away in your stilettos on the weekends and be comfortable and cute during the week!

Wearing flats to the office could very well be the best possible fashion trend today; especially because designers have created very fashion forward and stylish flats that have cute decorative pieces in place of the infamous "penny" in the penny loafer. The color schemes and textures also provide that splash of pizazz, mojo or whatever you want to call it to set off your outfit.

On those days when I'm frustrated with my boss and wish I were at home watching "The People's Court" I simply look down at my cute and comfortable flats, and think of another outfit I could match them up with!

As for the guys, please don't get caught up in the "white shirts" club. You too can stick to the dress code and have your mojo too!

• Patterned shirts and tie


• If you absolutely have to wear a "white shirt" jazz it up with a cool tie!


• If no tie is required -- live it up!
  

I had to learn that there are ways to express my personal style and follow the rules, you can too, unless that is --you'd rather quit your job because you aren't able to wear pajama pants and flip flops.

Image source: http://www.macys.com/ , http://www.stevemadden.com/ and http://www.bachrach.com/