Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 9:15:12 GMT -5
Went in at 8AM to work yesterday to get my haircut by the beautician. My color won't be done for at least two weeks because of her Mom being in the hospital or rehab dying of cancer. So she's primarily working on Monday which was my only FT day prior to well A becoming the temp FT person.
The cut is angled, per my bosses' request although not as short as she would have liked. It is roughly about mid shoulder length at the longest and roughly an inch or so shorter in the back. She did a zig zag part on me towards the side, which was cool and then showed me some way to twist your hair and pin it in the back. I didn't bring my spider clip, so I wasn't able to wear it home that way. M, the beautician said the part plus the clip stuff would help making my boss happy with something new and different. I will need to find videos. It appears to be the modern version of what I called my Russian hairstyle, where half of my hair was pulled back and the rest hung down long. I was unable to some up with a good version of what she did, but I did something similar and came into work with the zig zag part and some hair swept back clipped to the back of my head.
The 30something now regional for the AL, made the comment I looked better. I said I was still recovering, but on the mend. But I knew he meant the hair and the fact I decided to go with darker night eye makeup for yesterday's night shift. What now?
ETA: I have a draining sinus infection. It is affecting my voice and sleep. Its slowing getting better.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 9:21:34 GMT -5
My hairclip collection has been decimated over the years I've worked there, so I don't wear them and I only have half of a rhinestoned set left.
I'd love something like this-
I have these clips and a couple singletons in brownish hues, one almost leopard like.
What's the current hair jewelry I should get? Remember my hair is thick and wavy so I have not found a way to use the ornamented bobby pins I do have.
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on May 24, 2016 9:30:30 GMT -5
Glad to hear you are adjusting to the haircut. The zig zag part takes some adjusting to, but it does help camouflage the unevenness of roots growing out. My beautician has recommended the zig zag part for several years, and still my instinct is to go with a straight part. I have to remind myself to zig zag the part.
I also thought of you as I saw my sister this weekend. Her color is very grown out and you can see more gray, but IMHO, it looks much better than seeing long mixed grey/white hair.
You got this. And now all those people that suggested this are invested in your success - so keep them on your side and stay positive about the changes.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on May 24, 2016 9:31:04 GMT -5
Sounds like a good cut and I'm glad you aren't unhappy with it.
I would use bobby pins that match your hair color instead of decorative clips. It will give you a more mainstream look at the office, and when you change out up-do's, people will notice your hair and not your clips. The bobby pins from sally's are great. I don't know how you can mess up bobby pins, but any other brand I've tried pull and break my hair or don't stay in at all.
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milee
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Post by milee on May 24, 2016 9:37:16 GMT -5
Agree with Raeoflyte, don't do "current hair jewelry". Too easy for it to look out of date or just plain silly. Save your $$$ for other, more needed things that won't go so quickly out of style and are a safer bet.
Simple barettes and pins aren't expensive, will look professional and never go out of style.
Glad you like the new hair cut.
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yogiii
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Post by yogiii on May 24, 2016 9:44:05 GMT -5
Something really easy is to put your hair in a ponytail, then take the ponytail and pin it up with one of these (or similar) and let the ends fall back over the clip. Anything on the sides falling away attach with a hair colored bobby pin or put behind your ear.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on May 24, 2016 9:45:13 GMT -5
The (true, LOL) butterfly clips are pretty, but not appropriate for a professional environment. Try something simple like this from Amazon for $4.22: Or this, also from Amazon
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 9:54:03 GMT -5
Sounds like a good cut and I'm glad you aren't unhappy with it. I would use bobby pins that match your hair color instead of decorative clips. It will give you a more mainstream look at the office, and when you change out up-do's, people will notice your hair and not your clips. The bobby pins from sally's are great. I don't know how you can mess up bobby pins, but any other brand I've tried pull and break my hair or don't stay in at all. Professional is the wrong word to use for this setting. Our female marketing people often look like one step away from mid priced hookers with the tight dresses and high heels. This whole thing is telling me looking professional has been the wrong tack all along. I need to go with in your face "glam" like some blacks and Latinas prefer. There is a reason almost all black people have been hired for AL, and all three new receptionists are black. The temp Fter I think is Filipino and young. How young I don't know, but likely at least 18 and no more than 22 years old. e artwork Before the new building opened and we got lots of new managers, we had the most experienced and oldest reception team since I've been there(5 years). I was actually the young one at 56. The former FTer is 57, does fantastic but not "professional" eye makeup and my friend the PTer that moved on was the eldest at 58 or 59. She now works with/at the same building as a former junior administrator known for her style. She's latino, very into makeup trends, and wore open toed shoes when it was against policy and she knew certain people weren't in the facility.
Our new lobby is done almost solely in tones of old gold. Even almost all the art work. They even redid the refresh of the subacute side of the building to go to tonal golds. I really feel bad for patients who are bed bound. Before they at least had bed curtains with some blue, orange, and light green. There was some color. Now its a nightmare of old gold and maybe some tonal beige if you are lucky. Even the beauty salon has wallpaper in old gold.
Sigh. So professional and understated does not work here. A more in your face, glamour, look who's a pretty desk ornament does. Hard to compete with women that are twenty to thirty years younger than I when they have youth and their own clothes on their side. Meanwhile, I have to wear the uniform of a white button down oxford shirt plus black square blazer. Not awful, but not advantegous to my figure.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 9:54:57 GMT -5
The (true, LOL) butterfly clips are pretty, but not appropriate for a professional environment. Try something simple like this from Amazon for $4.22: Or this, also from Amazon The top one is interesting. Are there any videos on how to use it?
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 9:59:11 GMT -5
Something really easy is to put your hair in a ponytail, then take the ponytail and pin it up with one of these (or similar) and let the ends fall back over the clip. Anything on the sides falling away attach with a hair colored bobby pin or put behind your ear.
I have an octopus clip that is very similar. Its what I wore to work yesterday, but it does not like to stay in place. My hair is heavy, and I usually use that clip to put my hair up when I shower. I used to have a nice sport butterfly clip they no longer make or I can't find around here. That sucker was strong, but obviously made for workouts or casual. My last version was royal blue and white plastic.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on May 24, 2016 10:00:59 GMT -5
No videos, but if you go to Amazon and search "hair clips" these both pop up on the first page and there are several pictures using them.
It's basically taking hair from the side of your face and pulling it back and securing it with the clip just below the crown of your head. You can also loosely twist the hair from the side of your face before clipping it for a little different look. And, if you do a side part, you can pull from just the fuller side and clip toward the back side of your head.
It doesn't have to be a complicated style -- just neat and professional looking with a simple clip to hold it in place. And, depending upon how busy your day gets, it is not unreasonable to expect to re-do it at some point during the day.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on May 24, 2016 10:01:50 GMT -5
Something really easy is to put your hair in a ponytail, then take the ponytail and pin it up with one of these (or similar) and let the ends fall back over the clip. Anything on the sides falling away attach with a hair colored bobby pin or put behind your ear.
I have an octopus clip that is very similar. Its what I wore to work yesterday, but it does not like to stay in place. My hair is heavy, and I usually use that clip to put my hair up when I shower. I used to have a nice sport butterfly clip they no longer make or I can't find around here. That sucker was strong, but obviously made for workouts or casual. My last version was royal blue and white plastic. No colored clips for work. Stay with clips the same tone as your hair or very, very simple gold or silver clips.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on May 24, 2016 10:14:02 GMT -5
I just went to Youtube and typed in "using hair clips on thick wavy hair" and assorted variations of that search and a bunch of videos came up.
Some of the videos use clips that are too "dressy" for work, but if you use a very simple clip, the styling technique is still the same.
We (the collective "we" as in all women) can argue all day that it isn't fair, but it is true that one should dress for the next job. So, if you want to be the full-time front desk person or move up to marketing or whatever, you need to start dressing the part now. Now, of course, that doesn't mean over-doing it, nor does it mean anyone should run out and blow the next 3 months' rent on new clothes, but incorporating some professional styles and pieces and working toward an overall professional look while working a front desk job can get you the kind of attention that will keep you in mind for a better position.
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on May 24, 2016 10:25:03 GMT -5
How awesome! It's even better that you don't hate the cut and it appears you've already had compliments! Getting some "me" attention in the area of beauty always makes me feel better - even if I don't love it at first. You are brave to try something new and different and I'm going to look up that zig-zag part and give it a try. I'm so stuck in my ways and so OCD that I bet I'm going to hate it and see it as messy, but I'm going to try anyway. I can be brave, too!
About the butterfly clips? I see those as more of a teenage or twenties accessory. In addition, it would be for more of a whimsical look and I don't think that's what you are going for. Barrettes, clips or pins that blend with your hair are better. The one tone metal clips someone posted look nice also and appear to be really reasonably priced. Going to try those, too! I'm also not a fan of the bulky plastics even if they do match your hair. You can really mess up a great look trying to bling it up. Of course, this is all personal opinion and I'm no fashion expert - believe me.
It's pretty great that you are seeing the positive in all this! Now for the color! And thanks for posting. I got some new ideas also.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 10:38:57 GMT -5
Not finding anything of the lobby. This is a more understated dining area.
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gs11rmb
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Post by gs11rmb on May 24, 2016 11:03:22 GMT -5
I don't mind the color scheme, I think it looks quite soothing.
I'm glad you like your new haircut!
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 11:29:14 GMT -5
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on May 24, 2016 12:08:59 GMT -5
I wouldn't try to emulate the marketing/sales staff. I would look at the directors attire/style and go from there. If you have some sewing skills, or a friend who does I'd probably look at altering the blazer a bit. Not so much that people can tell its been altered, just better curves, remove the shoulder pads, etc.
And while you don't like the style of the other employees (I'm still trying to figure out how or why race has been brought up at all?!?), it seems obvious their attire is more in line with the company style than yours. Doesn't mean you have to match them, but maybe question why you think they're dressed like hookers and management doesn't.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 24, 2016 12:35:37 GMT -5
I brought up race, because it is an issue since the new building opened. In fact, a visitor who retired from HR said, 'I didn't want to say this - but this is happening because you are white and old'. Her words not mine. 100% of the hires by my former boss who was head of marketing for the AL, are black like her. All have personal connections to her. She's gone. Concensus is she was fired.
About 90% of the staff in the new building, where the receptionists sit is black. Actually it might be higher than that, but I am just guessing. The FT admin asst(receptionist) who declined to come back from vacation, was at risk of being fired, has long complained about the shift in hiring. She started last year, April 20th. The PT receptionist who resigned for greener pastures, also brings it up often when we talk. And its hard not to, as the mean girl cabal - is all black. Local HR, staffing coordinator, unit secretary, a now fired LPN, and possibly the new to be FT receptionist when she returns from maternity leave.
They put the front desk by two marketing offices. Yes there are other managers, but they don't come by unless they want to, except for the guy who heads the maintenance dept. In fact, the front desk is often part of apparent flash marketing events so one can never let down their guard. I wish I knew why they thought it is wise to leave reception in the dark till the last moment. But that's how they roll. We just had some marketing event this Saturday from 11 to 4 or some such. Its not uncommon for the third or fourth(not sure which) most important muckety muck to roll in for an event like that of even to cover marketing. I think this family owned company is around 10,000 employees.
FWIW. I call where we are now 'the fishbowl'.
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obelisk
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Post by obelisk on May 24, 2016 12:43:45 GMT -5
So how many resume's have you sent out? The clear message has been to move on.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on May 24, 2016 12:48:54 GMT -5
Aside from the race issue, having the main reception desk and marketing in close proximity is not all that unusual.
And, you should never let your guard down. It's clear the facility is going for an active vibe and you are the face of it.
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yogiii
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Post by yogiii on May 24, 2016 13:22:19 GMT -5
Something really easy is to put your hair in a ponytail, then take the ponytail and pin it up with one of these (or similar) and let the ends fall back over the clip. Anything on the sides falling away attach with a hair colored bobby pin or put behind your ear.
I have an octopus clip that is very similar. Its what I wore to work yesterday, but it does not like to stay in place. My hair is heavy, and I usually use that clip to put my hair up when I shower. I used to have a nice sport butterfly clip they no longer make or I can't find around here. That sucker was strong, but obviously made for workouts or casual. My last version was royal blue and white plastic. That is why I said you start with a ponytail. If you have wavy hair most of it will probably cover up the clip. You can use bobby pins for fine tuning after.
Also I don't think you need the "mostly" in your title
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on May 24, 2016 16:00:42 GMT -5
I used to work for a fortune 500 company that had a Government Contract. Because of that contract, they had minority hiring quotas. I was blessed to work for and with highly qualified people. They mostly did their job screening applicants, and the race of my co-workers just was what it was, it was not an indicator of their qualification for the job (we were paid based on productivity and everyone worked together to make as much $$ as we could). We had Muslim co-workers there before 911, and I really wonder now if they would be treated the same - they were welcomed and treated with respect.
I am a white girl married to a Mexican. I have a niece dating a black man, a cousin with a mixed race child, and another niece engaged to a Mexican Man. I told my Mother to never comment or make an issue of race or it will come back to haunt you. I think you should be super careful not to get pulled into the minefield of commenting on race or qualifications of people as indicated by their race.
I wonder if what you think you need to wear is what you really need to wear - if other's are pushing the dress code envelope I would expect that you can push the ends too (conservatively). As others indicated dress for your next job...so go business casual. I was going to suggest you add a scarf to your black blazer. You might be able to find them at Goodwill as they have been very popular for a few years. I sometimes wear a T-shirt under a blazer with a scarf. I prefer the regular scarves - with two ends...I really don't like the infinity scarves (sewed together in a circle), that you twist and loop around. I am small, so I avoid the ones that have a lot of fabric to them too.
Also, remember that some of those people who you think are violating the dress code and getting away with it, might not value the job as much as you do and may be daring them to fire them. I have a DN that his mother had to work periodically to qualify for welfare benefits. As soon as her minimum time was in, she always had an on-the-job injury.
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milee
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Post by milee on May 24, 2016 16:21:31 GMT -5
In fact, the front desk is often part of apparent flash marketing events so one can never let down their guard. I wish I knew why they thought it is wise to leave reception in the dark till the last moment. What would you do differently if they told you in advance of an upcoming marketing event?
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Pants
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Post by Pants on May 24, 2016 19:10:35 GMT -5
Opti - you don't need to be part of the fashion arms race because you are supposed to wear a uniform. But what you do need is an understanding of how they would like you to do your hair and makeup, which you don't seem to be meeting, and what is appropriTe for your age. Butterfly clips like the ones pictured are for 20 year olds working PR, not 50 year olds. At the same time, pulling long graying hair into a low ponytail is also not great. You need to look put together. So far you seem to be vacillating between "inappropriately young" and "my other car is a broomstick." Before you shut me down, know that I've been more or less where you are, recently. And it sucked. I started paying more attention to myself and how I look and was actually told at my review "I was going to have to talk about how your dress and style were holding you back but now I don't have to." Do I really REALLY hate the fact that people judge me on whether I'm wearing makeup vs the fact that I'm a top performer? Yes. But it is what it is.
If you want this job (I seriously don't understand why you do, but you seem to) then stop bitching about black people and do what it takes.
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Pants
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Post by Pants on May 24, 2016 19:24:25 GMT -5
If you insist on keeping your hair long, learn some basic techniques other than a low ponytail. Try a high bun, a French twist, a fishtail braid. And #10 at this link is a go-to for me. Today I literally went from hair down to finished in the time it took my coworker to pee. She was shocked because when she went in the stall I looked like a hot frizzy mess, she came out I looked totally polished. www.buzzfeed.com/verymuchso/17-ways-to-never-have-a-bad-hair-day-again?utm_term=.cjAqveNj5W#.ip28W25LPJ Ignore the wedding hair accessories.
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suesinfl
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Post by suesinfl on May 24, 2016 19:40:05 GMT -5
In marketing, when the first thing that is seen (reception desk), it is important to put “their” best face forward. You may never know who is walking through that door and the marketing people just want to make sure that when someone walks through that door they see a place that creates a great first impression. That is their job to for the company. Whether you agree with that is your decision, but to get ahead in the company, you have to comply with their expectations/rules. Sorry, but it is true.
Age and race should not play into your job. If it does, you need to look for something else. These decisions (age/race) are not yours to make, but sometimes you have to play the game to get promoted.
I’m glad that you were able to have a hair style that you like, even though it is different than what you are used to, but sometimes change is good. Wishing you the best!
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beergut
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Post by beergut on May 24, 2016 22:23:50 GMT -5
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on May 24, 2016 22:35:58 GMT -5
If you insist on keeping your hair long, learn some basic techniques other than a low ponytail. Try a high bun, a French twist, a fishtail braid. And #10 at this link is a go-to for me. Today I literally went from hair down to finished in the time it took my coworker to pee. She was shocked because when she went in the stall I looked like a hot frizzy mess, she came out I looked totally polished. www.buzzfeed.com/verymuchso/17-ways-to-never-have-a-bad-hair-day-again?utm_term=.cjAqveNj5W#.ip28W25LPJ Ignore the wedding hair accessories. What an awesome link!!! Overnight AND super quick styles in one easy place.
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tloonya
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What status?
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Post by tloonya on May 25, 2016 14:28:28 GMT -5
Wait! I am still stuck at 'to my boss liking' part...
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