by Solange Lopes | Mar 19, 2014 | Career |
Lunch Break
When I was in public accounting, as many veterans of public accounting know, life revolved around work. And work revolved around the team…
The team worked together, ate together, took coffee breaks together, pretty much breathed in sync if you want my opinion. Everyone knew everyone else’s life, girlfriend spats, marital discords, and favorite hair conditioner. We were tight…and I mean tight!
So it was interesting to hear co-workers debate about whether or not eating lunch with the whole team would help their careers or not, I was taken back in time.
For my $0.05, I think fostering a sense of team belonging is always good for one’s career, especially in the beginning. However, we can still be ourselves inside a team. As much as it is recommended to play “team”, it is also good to set some healthy boundaries. Have luinch with the team by all means, but also reserve yourself the right to have your own personal time. And when setting boundaries, better sooner than later to avoid disappointing anyone, yourself included.
What do you think?
The Corporate sister.
The Corporate Sister
by Solange Lopes | Mar 19, 2014 | Career
elev8.com
Many working mothers in Big Corporate have to make different, and drastic decisions, especially when it comes to work. What with the cost and scarcity of childcare, to simply the kids’ schedules being different and tighter than everybody else (even with after-school care, one still has to be able to pick up their kids by 5 or 5:30pm, and that’s when you can even afford after-school care. If not, you have to figure out a way to pick them up by 2pm in my neck of the woods, talk about arranging fora drastically different schedule).
As a result, many working mothers and corporate sisters do have to re-arrange their work schedule accordingly, most times having to request to come in early and leave later. While working with other corporate sisters who either are not parents or have the necessary support to put in the extra hours, as well as with males who also benefit from the support of their respective spouses to put in the extra time, these working moms often face the reality of the perception of “working less.”
“Although I come in earlier than everyone else, the mere fact that I have to leave earlier makes it seem that I don’t put the same amount of work in”, complains A. “Do I have to give up all career aspirations just because of I don’t conform to the regular core hours”, retorts C.
Despite all the advances in women’s empowerment in Big Corporate, it still seems like much has to be done to lessen, or even eliminate, this perception that working a different schedule means that you’re working less.
Have you experienced this at work?
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 18, 2014 | Career
Ponte pleated fit and flare dress – $109.99 – banana republic.com
For our lunch break today, we are so feeling the fit-and-flare trend, not just because it is calling Spring by name, but also because it is so flattering on most body shapes. For our pick today, we are taking advantage of the Spring sale at Banana Republic, with this ponte pleated fit-and-flare dress.
I love the teal blue color, which is a nice alternative to your basic black or brown, but is still conservative enough. And the short cap-sleeves make this dress a classic, yet flirty option for both work and play.
It’s on sale for $109.99 at Banana, down from $130.
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 18, 2014 | Career
I too am Harvard – fabmagazineonline.com
When I heard of the “I too am Harvard” campaign, a photo campaign highlighting the faces and voices of Black students at Harvard, and highlighting the issues affecting Black students at Harvard, as a Black woman, an ex-Black student, and a Black woman in a predominantly White corporate world, I understood…I understood so well what these students mean, how important the sense of belonging is on a campus, in an institution of higher learning, and later on, in a professional setting where your mere appearance makes you stand out in a not-so-positive way.
I command the Harvard students who started this movement at Harvard, not only because they inspired other Ivy League schools to do the same and call attention to the widespread discrimination in higher institutions of learning. But I also command them for inspiring us all to claim our places in all the settings in which we are called to shine.
I command them to inspire me to get up and also recognize that despite the obstacles facing minorities in the corporate world, “I too am Corporate”. So today, as you prepare to make your presentation at work as a minority, or as you face challenges in your own corporate setting, or as you may just be doubting your brilliance and capabilities, please be reminded that like these brave, courageous, brilliant students: “You too are Corporate”!
Check out the promo video of “I too am Harvard”:
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Mar 17, 2014 | Career |
Issa Wrap Dress – theoutnet.com
For our lunch break today, we are definitely in Spring mode with this Issa wrap-effect dress from The Outnet. The site has been having a wonderful sale, and although this dress may be a bit of a splurge with a price tag of $240, remember that is has been discounted down from $600!
I personally love the African-inspired graphic, and the bright and lively colors of the dress. These are perfectly completed with the traditional and flattering wrap effect, and make for a perfect work and play alternative. Pair it with a darker jacket for a more conservative office, or flaunt it just because you can, the choice is yours…
Like this dress? Please send us your suggestions at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
The Corporate Sister.
