At the Workplace

                    Let's face it. The women's workforce has undoubtedly expanded since prior generations. So let's not take advantage of our right to work alongside the males and present ourselves to our full potential. You are to acknowledge and express the fact that you are a respectable worker with self-reliance and confidence. You are to know how to deal with competition and even defeat with auspicious dignity and self-control. These are some of many factors that make up a triumphant businesswoman.

Dress to Impress 

                     Here's a scene for you: You and that significant other decide to go on a vacation to the Bahamas. Everything is going perfect. The weather is sunny, the air is clean, and fortunately, both of you haven't scraped yourselves ONCE on the coral reeves during your scuba dives. After a long and exhausting afternoon, you and your friend decide to have an elegant dinner before you head back to the hotel. But once you reach the entrance of that gilded restaurant, you find yourselves in the hands of a flip-flopping, tank top wearing, fringed-jeans sporting attendant. Right then, your perfect day has been tainted; now, the choice cabaret is nothing more than another family restaurant.

                    Clothing expresses more than just styles; it also signifies organization and class. We, as women, must look sophisticated during working hours, and dressing promptly is a major key. Always iron your clothing and button up your blouse. Otherwise, male and female customers will most likely look for help elsewhere, assuming that you won't be capable of assisting them when you can't even button your shirt correctly. Business suits with matching skirts or dress pants are always popular among the working women. Do not wear bright colors such as orange, neon yellow or hot pink; you are not a highlighter. Closed toe shoes are always recommended in order to pose a formal disposition. Dress so that others will
realize that you take your job seriously no matter what it is that you do. 

                    Aside from clothing, another factor that is important to a woman's appearance is her hair and face. A new hair-do can bring and combine jazz and sophistication at the same time. Never come to work with curlers or excessively bright colorings in your hair. Refrain from wearing heavy make-up to appear easy on the eye. Your face is the first thing a customer sees, so look your best and be presentable. 

Attitude

                    Never underestimate the power of your attitude towards your customers. An unhappy or unfriendly worker does not encourage customers to come back a second time. Therefore, it is essential that you, as a worker, engage in your tasks with an amiable nature. Do not whine in public. Whining shows weakness in character as well as the company in which you work for. Stay strong and remain confident in yourself and the corporation you work for. 

                    When women join the men in the workforce, the rising of the topic of sexual harassment is inevitable. NEVER tolerate it and reprimand those who underestimate your self-worth. In some cases, flirting can encourage sexual harassment. Maintain an attitude that shows co-workers that you have a specific direction you're headed for and that you are a motivated worker. Do not get involved with your employees because once you get caught, the consequences will taint your reputation as a woman as well as a worker. "That's like killing two birds with one stone"-- the devil. 

Cleanliness

                    Keep your work premises tidy at all times. You wouldn't want your boss to come into your bedroom and see all those scattered shirts everywhere, jeans hanging on the ceiling fan, and q-tips on the table, would you? No, because then your boss would discover the truth: that you're so lazy to even put things back where they belong. Not all women live like that, but for those of you who do, it would be for your best interest to keep at least your office or work space organized and ready to undertake tasks when asked. Maintain good hygiene. Please your customers with your enchanting scent. Make sure you take a shower everyday, and wearing pleasant perfume is also highly encouraged. Nothing annoys a customer more than bad breath. How would you like it if you were asking an Old Navy worker for assistance and she blew acid breath on your face? A customer should always see the pleasant side of you, so make sure that even the goodness of your oral hygiene cannot be disputed.

Competition

                    Here's an enjoyable part of your job: When a neophyte arrives, you become the teacher. You are no longer the tested worker at the dangling end of the chain. Although it may seem as if a huge load has been lifted off of your back, you will soon realize that the new arriver is your most dangerous opponent-your competition. Don't misunderstand; treat your new co-worker with friendliness, but only to a certain extent. The workplace for a woman is like a war in a battlefield between the two sexes. Unfortunately, this field is ridded with potholes on the females' side, giving the men an unfair advantage to victory. It's understandable to have one-sided competitions with your opponent. Not only will it boost up your confidence, but your adversary will never have an inkling of what you were up to. 

 Success

                     Congratulations on your achievement. Before you go about boasting to your neighbors and prancing around like an amateur, think twice about your outlook. Your ridiculous fiasco shows that you are so proud of yourself and in a way surprised that you got this far. You want others to think that they were right to consider you for higher positions. Be careful not to over-emphasize your confidence and seem arrogant. Remember what brought you to your success in the first place: others' respect for you and your work. Maintain that same confident outlook that everyone has been seeing since your initial days of employment. 

Defeat

                     So what? You're fired, not sentenced to fifty years in diet training. It could've been worse, so stop blubbering. Managing unemployment can be tough at times, but women, believe it or not, have become stronger both physically and mentally. Do not appear defeated for another employer, this time with eyes, to see that you have spurting potential within you. Getting fired shouldn't have to be taken as a downfall, but an opportunity to start anew. 

Written by,
Carol Choi