by Solange Lopes | Dec 12, 2014 | Career |
Photo: economist.com
Having a good marriage is not just important for you and your family, it’s crucial to your career. And before you can realize the full extent of this simple realization, picture having three departmental meetings, a sick child at school, and another one preparing for an evening recital, on the same exact day, within the same exact 24 hours. Yes…
Granted combining two human beings in the same matrimonial arrangement (not to mention the same geographic space) is nothing short of a miracle, not putting forth the effort to keeping your marriage together will take it from miracle to sheer disaster. Among the casualties of a failed marriage, divorce or separation, is the shiny, glorious career you’ve been working so long for…And with that, please start bidding farewell to job relocations, somewhat lenghthy commutes, happy hours or occasional late nights at work…
Of course, there are those “unreconcilable differences” that are truly irreconcilable, and warrant splitting addresses and beds. Yet, there also are those “irreconcilable differences” that can be reconciled with some goodwill sprinkled with a strong determination not to enrich some random divorce lawyer or becoming a single parent for the rest of your foreseeable youth.
Truth is, your partner may be a giant pain in the behind, but unless you have a genuine desire to mix his shampoo with shaving cream or serve him laxative for the rest of his days, stick with him, her or heck, whoever you may believe they are.
And if they can pick up the kids while you’re stuck in that quarterly meeting, even better. If they can read instructions on how to microwave instant Mac and cheese for those nights when you didn’t cook (or grocery shop for that matter), be glad. And if, only if, you’ve found the One who supports you when you strive for your career and tells you you’re the best mom when you’ve obviously forgotten the baby at home and driven past the street corner singing to an empty car seat, keep him!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 11, 2014 | Career |
Wearing sequins to work – Photo: the grindstone.com
I’ve been spotting an increasing number of ladies sporting sequins, and other sparkly touches, as part of their workwear, especially at office holiday parties. If you had asked me a few years back, while I was still in uber-sonservative, client-focused Public Accounting, if you could wear sequins to work, I would’ve just looked at you and kept on steppin’. Yet times are changing, and so are work wardrobes (thankfully), and I’m glad to note sequins are no longer workwear no-no’s (and haven’t been for some time). Some even recommend wearing sparkly things and outfits to work, actually…
My $0.05: Yes, donning sequins to work is no longer outlawed, even in the most conservative of office environments. Yet there are rules to follow, some more subtle than others:
1. One piece at a time! Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT come entirely dressed in sequins, unless the power went out in your office and your shiny outfit is the only source of light. Whether it’s a small detail on your blazer or a subtly sequined top layering piece, make it a one-piece shot!
2. Tone down the rest of your outfit! No, you cannot don a sequined skirt, loud red stilettos, and a shiny gold purse. It’s not that kind of party. While you can certainly add a sequined piece to your work outfit, keep the rest of your look as neutral as possible!
3. KNOW YOUR OFFICE! Last but not least, keep the golden rule of office dressing in mind at all times! KNOW YOUR OFFICE! The more conservative, the less glittery!
What do you think about wearing sequins to work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 11, 2014 | Career |
Bow-back bolus e- $19.97 – Photo: nyandcompany.com
With the slew of holiday parties and office events this season, I’ve been on the hunt for festive, elegant tops that would still be work-appropriate. Hence today’s pick, this elegant bow-back blouse from New York & Company. Loving the classic simplicity of this top with the chic cut-out detail in the front, and the dramatic bow in the back! To top it, this perfect layering piece is on sale for only $19.97 at New York & Co!
For an after-hours holiday party, I’d pair this top with a classic pencil skirt like this Halogen version from Nordstrom, or for a more glam effect, this beautiful (and very reasonably priced) ASTR sequin pencil skirt.
Happy Holidays!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 11, 2014 | Career
Layaway – Photo: fayettewoman.com
Back in my college student days, I was a big fan of putting just about anything I wanted to purchase on layaway. And for us shopping this holiday season, layaway is also a great option, allowing you to make smaller payments until the item of your choice is fully paid for and save for bigger purchases. That’s how I got my most expensive, “not made for walking” shoes…
When it comes to our careers, can we apply the same technique to leverage our work? At a time when all jobs are temporary, and when multiple careers are now more of the norm than the exception, can making small investments towards a larger, more versatile and more multi-dimensional career be just what we need?
1. Invest in continuous learning! In a world where job-hopping is no longer frowned upon, and where new technology and skills are emerging almost daily, continuous learning is a must! Consider taking a new class, attending a new seminar, or acquiring a new skill, at least every quarter. If you’re not moving forward, you’re stepping back!
2. Expand your industry knowledge! Gone are the days when expertise in one single field guaranteed career success. With so many inter-dependent fields and intersecting disciplines, you must dabble outside of your field! So take on that insurance project, volunteer for the marketing assignment, get out of your comfort zone! It won’t hurt to add it to your resume either…
3. Nurture your passions and interests! Side interests, hobbies and passions are great ways of extending your expertise and influence! Love gardening? Keep learning about it, have fun with it, talk about it, start a blog on it! Not only are you learning about something different, but by sharing and applying what you now know and enjoy, you’re opening the door to new possibilities!
How would you put your career on layaway?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 9, 2014 | Career |
Holiday Party – Photo: refinery29.com
Office holiday parties are tricky. Unless you decide to skip the whole thing altogether, you’ve gotta figure out where to go, what to wear, how to network, and how to fix your face (and the rest of you) so you look professional yet approachable, agreeable yet not too nice, pleasant but not bending over backwards, especially if you happen to meet the CEO of the Company….Oh, and although the alcohol may be free (not in all cases), you have to make sure to keep yourself in check and not get ridiculously drunk or even a tad bit tipsy, lest you would like to start the new year without a job and with a great professional reputation. Now if that doesn’t sound more like work than entertainment, you tell me…
Yet other than figuring out the dress code and checking your inner party gal at the door, here are a few tips to make the best out of this event:
1. If you wouldn’t wear it in front of your boss, don’t wear it! Simple rule of thumb, if it’s not appropriate enough to wear in front on your boss, it’s just not appropriate! Avoid sheer fabrics, revealing necklines, or climbing hems. You ain’t gotta lose your pretty, just make it pretty and professional.
2. Limit yourself to one drink…and sip on it all night. It’s an art to walk around with the same drink, acting like you’re sipping when all you’re doing is lightly kissing your glass. In any case, if you get wine-happy like I do, and even if you don’t, shoot for one drink, two at the most. Your co-workers are not that funny anyways…Plus aren’t you driving?
3. Stop networking like a robot, you’re human! Nothing worse than the guy who tries too hard to collect business cards and get promoted on the spot. Stop, remember you’re human, and act normal please! Instead of referring to your networking script, introduce yourself, ask people how they’re doing and have a normal, human conversation. You may even enjoy it…
The Corporate Sis
by Solange Lopes | Dec 9, 2014 | Career
Soft Piped Blazer – $54 – the limited.com
I’ve been on the hunt for a red blazer that’s professional enough, yet festive enough to throw on at any holiday party. Hence my pick today, this soft piped blazer from The Limited. Loving the modern, cool look of this blazer that can be styled with your favorite pair of jeans, or any elegant sheath dress like this one. The red hue is vibrant enough, but does not scream “look at me” for all the wrong reasons…
I’d pair this killer blazer (literally), with an elegant cashmere sweater layered over a crisp white button-down like this one. Or I would just go all glam with a silver lame, festive bow-back blouse like this one from NY&Co.
Who said red is the new black again?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 9, 2014 | Career |
Rude behavior at work – Photo: village.com
‘Tis the season to be merry…and put up with all kinds of rudeness, including at work. I’m not sure if it’s the stress of the holidays, or if because most people just don’t want to be at work, whatever it is, it’s prime time for rude behavior worldwide. From the angry customer yelling at the cashier to get their .2225555% discount on that ugly sweater, to your client at work pushing back on how much time you spend working for them, of all people…And while it’d be easy to check the angry lady in the store, or give the guy who stole your parking spot (really, dude) a piece of your sick and tired mind, telling co-workers, clients or colleagues what time it is, is slightly more challenging….
Yet there are smart, peaceful ways to deal with rude people, at work or in life. As an auditor by trade, I’ve had my share of ahem…interesting clients, colleagues and co-workers. When you ask questions for a living, you run the risk of pissing people off and getting a rude response (or two).
And after many a rude responses, a lot of “no she didn’t”, and a few “Ooooh if my paycheck didn’t depend on this”, here are a few no-nonsense, professional yet assertive ways to deal with the rudeness in the workplace:
1. Do not ignore it! Remember the saying about “teaching others how to treat you”? Well, it applies at work too…Do not allow anyone to step on your toes and disrespect you, because all you’ll be doing is reinforce a destructive pattern that will end up hurting your career.
2. Respond immediately! Nothing like beating the iron when it’s still hot! Address the situation immediately using the same context it was created in. Whether it’s shooting back a professional email, or clearly and respectfully asking the person to stop their damaging behavior, react well and react NOW!
3. Remain courteous but firm! When addressing rudeness at work, do not give back what’s been served to you, EVER! Use courtesy and professionalism at all times, but be firm!
4. Document E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G! Keep a record of all offensive communications, as well as your responses. If the person’s behavior is verbal, confirm it via email or written documentation.
5. Don’t hate, elevate! If the offense is repeated multiple times, or if there appears to be no other alternative, elevate the issue to management or Human Resources. This is where your written records of the situation come in handy.
6. It’s not about you! Rude behavior has more to do with the perpetrator than with you! So nix the guilt trip, and recognize it’s not about you!
7. Take responsibility and move on! Acknowledge the situation, take responsibility for any part you may have had in it, fix what’s in your control, and move on! There’s no point dwelling on the negative. Remain professional and keep kicking a…, that’s just what you do!
How do you deal with rude people at work?
The Corporate Sis.
