Bling
I went on an interview the other day. Black pinstripe suit, stylish flat shoes, blouse with a slight amount of color, leather purse, straight tamed hair, neutral lipcolor. In one of the hippest industries around, I was the square. Corporate, safe, reliable. Some of my professional reputation did depend on those traits, but did I really need to emit the image at all times?
I decided suddenly to wear earrings. Not my usual unnoticeable studs. Real earrings, the kind that actual women wear. With a dangle even. Considering the rest of my dress was as revolutionary as apple pie in a diner, this was my tiny statement that I was more than a resume. That in human terms, I fit in quite well into my chosen profession, and somehow became friends with trendy hipsters and stodgy company partners alike. That over thirteen years in the field, I had proven my abilities and was now self-employed; and while not quite brave enough to wear D&G jeans to a meeting, like many colleagues, I had earned the right to a piece of jewelry.
My meeting was for a 2-month long project of moderate interest to me, and I would work remotely from my home office. I had indeed psycho-analyzed my earrings so intensely for a project of this stature. But that’s the professional I am. In the end, that light swoosh of confidence near my hairline made me feel, at nearly 40 years of age, that I might be good at my job.