Where'd you park the Delorean?

Hi Alyse,

I just started a job at this new company and I don’t get paid for four weeks. It’s a step up from my last position and could be considered a promotion. My problem is that everyone wears pants suits everyday, the only pants suit I own is the one I wore to the interview. The nice clothes I have are my church clothes and I started wearing them to work but everyone was looking at me like “where’d you park your Delorean?” I don’t mean to vent but shouldn’t it be okay that I dress neatly – what’s the deal with the pressure?

Pressured in Peoria, IL

Hi Pressured!

Here’s the thing, it seems as though you weren’t really ready for the promotion – did you research the company before you started working to get a sense of the corporate culture? When you went to the interview did you take a look at how everyone was dressed? It seems like you were hit by a car that was coming straight for you! Of course, no use crying over spilled milk; ditch the church clothes and head over to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or similar store. You should be able to find some suits there. If you don’t have one of those stores, go to any department store and head straight for the clearance isle. It might mean putting some things together but you don’t want the company feeling like you aren’t a good “fit”. You’re going to have to spend some money to keep this job. The old saying the first impression is the lasting impression is true – you don’t want to forever be the Delorean lady.

A. Fox

The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. Socrates