Thursday, March 31, 2011

Fashionably Professional & Life Choices

"How much of yourself do you share on your blog?" I have seen this question many times in the blogging world in one form or another. My answer has always been that I don't share ALL of my life here. Parts of my life leak into my posts >husband, kids, technological ability, and my friends' fashion choices. Now LIFE is leaking into my fashion choices and I think perhaps my readers deserve an explanation.

I returned from my vacation in Phoenix and Las Vegas to discover that the company where I have worked for the last dozen years of my life decided to outsource  the IT Department. My job is one of those being eliminated. I have shared this situation with a few of my twitter followers, but I didn't know if I would reveal it on my blog. 

Kicked to the curb...


This has prompted me to think about what I want out of life. How does one approach life's interruptions? Do I really want to continue with the corporate meat grinder? Should I stay in the IT Field? Is there something else out there for me that will challenge my mind, allow me to be creative, fulfill me professionally and pay the bills? Do I have the courage (or stupidity?) to walk away from a careerpath I have chosen and at which I succeeded, to try something new?
Like I said, I have been with the company for 12 years - change of this magnitude is foreign to me. I have the same husband, the same house, the same commute, the same office home, the same daily routine - this can be viewed as stable and comforting, or boring as hell. 
I have to admit that it has been both over the years. In the last year, the work portion of my life has changed from "exciting opportunity" to a "day-to-day grind." No one enjoys working like that, but I have lacked the courage to seek new opportunities. So perhaps this "interruption" is a blessing in disguise. 
In saying all of this, I must also say that I admire the courage of Stephanie The Loudmouth who had the intestinal fortitude to step out of a job that was not fulfilling to her < which she posted about HERE > I think she is a very brave young woman who will capture her dream; she has the temerity to accept nothing less. The quote she used to end her post resonated with me, and also spoke one word loudly to me: COWARD. 
Here is the quote:
"Take the reins. Think about what makes you happiest -- the one thing guaranteed to get your heart racing and a big grin spread across your face. Got it? Good. Now do that thing. Yes, today. Taking control of your life is about knowing what you want and going after it without hesitation. You don't need permission. You just need to know you deserve to be happy."
No room for doubt there. It cuts right to the heart. Sure, I have great reasons for hanging onto my position. Reasons most of you probably have too. 
Such as: 

  • I have a family who relies on my income.
  • I need the health benefits provided by my job.
  • There are bills that must be paid. 
  • How else will I earn a paycheck to support the life we lead?
  • Where will I find another job in this economy?
  • I'm too old to start over in a new career
These reasons and more are what have kept me tethered to my desk. Now, my desk has cut my tether and I am floating along trying to decide "What do I do next?" "Are these reasons enough to sacrifice myself?" "Is it worth it?" "Will I find renewed joy in my career if I am in a different company?"
How about you? Are you in a career or job that you leap out of bed to tackle the days problems? Are you passionate about what you do? Are you going through the motions looking forward to that magical someday when you can do what you REALLY want to do? These are life-changing questions. Questions that have occupied my alone-time since I returned from vacation. Questions I have not yet answered. 

So I am now seeking opportunities and soul-searching for the answers to my questions. In light of that situation, I must now consider ways to present a polished, professional exterior with my wardrobe and not lose my fashion mojo. The outfit in today's post was worn on an interview day. I attempted to communicate "Professional & Fashionable" all in one.
I was asked recently if I would continue with the web analytics series on Wednesdays as I have missed the last three Wednesdays> one to being on vacation and two more dealing with my employment situation. The series will be picked back up. Thank you dear readers and friends for understanding my temporary lapse. 

Outfit Details:
Papaya puff sleeve top
Bebe vest
Express pencil skirt
Steve Madden Pumps

We shall see what the future holds for me. I hope I at least dress the part.