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Updated: Oct 31, 2018 119 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Godet Flare Skirt

The Personal Shopper (TPS) |

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Halogen Godet Flare SkirtThe trick to a good flouncy skirt, in my humble opinion, is that it must be fairly streamlined at the waist and hips — so I really like this godet flare skirt from Halogen. Admittedly, it looks short to me on the model, but tall (5'8″) reviewers note that it came about an inch longer than shown here, which in my mind is a plus. The skirt comes in navy and black, regular and petites, for $48 (and is machine wash/tumble dry). Halogen® Godet Flare Skirt Here's a similar skirt available in plus sizes. Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-3)

Sales of note for 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. Meg Murry

    Thanks for putting this up earlier today Kat!

    I like the idea of godets in general in a skirt, and have a couple of weekend skirts that do it well, but the most recent ones I’ve tried on that were cut more for work (usually in a stiffer fabric instead of loose jersey knit like my weekend skirts), either the godets stuck out funny or the godets were tucked in and then the center or the skirt pooched out. I’m still willing to try them on in case they hang differently the next time, but this is definitely an example of a design feature I like better in theory or on the model than in reality on me- in reality I probably like more of a plain a-line than a skirt with added godets. Or maybe I just need more, smaller godets rather than just 2 in front, 2 in back like this skirt.

  2. Sydney Bristow

    Just a heads up. Eddie Bauer has 40% off regular prices with code BLOOM today.

    I just bought a new Christine cardigan. They’ve been holding up well for over a year for me. If you have a ShopRunner account (or can get one for free with an Amex) they qualify for free 2-day shipping.

    • NO

      Thank you! Someone on here recommended their curvy shorts, so I tried them and they fit wonderfully! Now I can order more.

  3. Baconpancakes

    Seconding appreciating the earlier post!

    Ladies, I made the plunge. I bought a Fitbit Zip. Then I immediately started lusting after the Tory Burch Fitbit bracelets and bought a Fitbit Flex, so I’ll be trying to sell the Zip (non-returnable, sadly). I’m also a fan of the slides they sell for the Flex on Etsy. Any other accessories anyone likes, and any tips on making the most of the Fitbit?

    • Ellen

      Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love Fruegel Friday’s and this skirt, tho I do NOT think the manageing partner will let me get reimbursed for it. FOOEY!

      I am goeing up to Chapaqua with Myrna later, and am lookeing forward to eating MATZA, even if my dad tells me that my tuchus is to big. That is why I use my fitbit we will tell him.

      Congratulations to the Baconpancakes — the OP for buying a FITBIT. I am sure that with your name, if you eat alot of Bacon and Pancakes, we could be soul sisters, both with big shelves (tuchuses), so we need the fitbit.

      As far as tips, you should program in the computer your stride and weight (fooey), and then update it regularly — your weight, and you can see how you are doeing. My weight is about the same, tho I feel better doeing the walking every day. Now that it is getting warmer, I can wear less and probabley loose more weight in my tuchus. I just have to remember NOT to eat more then 5 matzas a day. Grandma Trudy sent over a 5 pound box of Matzas, but I will bring most to work and watch everyone else eat them too, so I will NOT be the ONLEY one with a fat tuchus! YAY!!!! Happy Passover and Easter to the Entire HIVE!!!!!! YAY!!!!

    • TNTT

      I would say make sure that you’re committed to using it consistently and that you’re finding it helpful/motivational before you drop the money on accessories for it.

      I do a lot of “challenges” with my mom/sister/coworkers, that makes it easier to get up early or stay up late to get my steps because I’m super competitive. I do a lot more “drop-ins” at work rather than calling people in their office because it helps me get the steps.

      Also I don’t trust the math it does when it comes to measuring staircases. I swear on days I wear super high heels it thinks I’m walking up a staircase all day long.

    • TNTT

      Well I thought I left you a reply … it’s in the ether.

      I would say make sure that you’re committed to using it consistently and that you’re finding it helpful/motivational before you drop the money on accessories for it.

      I do a lot of “challenges” with my mom/sister/coworkers, that makes it easier to get up early or stay up late to get my steps because I’m super competitive. I do a lot more “drop-ins” at work rather than calling people in their office because it helps me get the steps.

      Also I don’t trust the math it does when it comes to measuring staircases. I swear on days I wear super high heels it thinks I’m walking up a staircase all day long.

    • TNTT

      Must be something in my reply that’s causing it to be moderated – hopefully it shows up eventually!

    • anonmaybe

      I would say make sure that you’re committed to using it consistently and that you’re finding it helpful/motivational before you drop the money on accessories for it.

      I do a lot of “challenges” with my mom/sister/coworkers, that makes it easier to get up early or stay up late to get my steps because I’m super competitive. I do a lot more “drop-ins” at work rather than calling people in their office because it helps me get the steps.

      Also I don’t trust the math it does when it comes to measuring staircases. I swear on days I wear super high heels it thinks I’m walking up a staircase all day long.

    • Coach Laura

      Baconpancakes – I hope you (and everyone else who celebrates) has a lovely Passover holiday.

    • Miz Swizz

      I don’t know what your activity level is like but I was consistently not meeting the preset goals so I decreased my goal steps and activity minutes and increase them a little each month. Meeting them has been a huge motivator. I also use the app to track my water intake and that’s been rather eye-opening.

    • I'm a Walker

      I started using a zip back in 2013, and finished 2014 having walked at least 10,000 Fitbit steps every day. So far, in 2015, I’ve missed one day (I had a stomach virus). The tip is to just get up and walk. Build walking breaks into your day. And walk every chance you get.

      I don’t know what your fitness level is, but if it is low, then spend a few weeks working up to the level you want/need. If you are already pretty active and fit, then start now.

      I started walking to people’s offices instead of IMing them, I take the stairs to meetings, I make sure I get up and walk at lunch time. I get off the bus at the stop before I used to, and walk to the stop a little further away in the evening. I make sure I get up and walk a little at least once every hour during the day.

      And most importantly, wear your Fitbit daily. It’s not clocking steps if you don’t have it on.

  4. fashion fail

    Today is just one of those days. All I could do is find a solid polo, a pair of jeans & running shoes. I just didn’t have it in me to do any better! Oh well. It’s friday.

    Weekend plans? Us: nothing. We will take the kids to the community easter egg hunt, but that is entirely it.

    • Sydney Bristow

      I’m finally getting a haircut. It’s been at least 6 months, maybe even a year.

      We are also going to go see the new Fast & Furious movie :-)

      • fashion fail

        I texted my stylist because I am desperate. I have a short shaggy cut that needs regular maintenance. Now that it’s getting humid, the longer length that I’ve been able to keep over the winter is getting a bit out of control! The frizz is getting a bit much. But, she didn’t have anything till Wednesday. I desperately need color, too. I’m rockin’ the ombre look, but it would look like that anyway, since it gets so light in the summer. I swear I have two-toned hair. It gets totally light blonde in the summer, but the new growth is sandy brown. And, since the last time I got color was before Christmas, there’s a pretty clear line of demarcation about 2″ down from my roots.

        I love those movies. Low expectations, mildly amusing. Fun. Muscle cars.

    • Anon

      Tomorrow my SO and I are taking a quick trip into NYC to see a matinee (Finding Neverland). We’ll get in around 11am and are leaving at about 7:30. It really only leaves a few hours before and after the show to do anything. We’ve done all the touristy stuff – any recommendation or something that can be done in 2 hours?

      • AIMS

        Lunch/post show meal on the high line? You can pick up something tasty at Chelsea Market and then go find a nice bench and people watch…
        Macy’s is having a big Orchid Show, if you’re into that sort of thing.
        You could visit the butterfly conservatory at the Museum of Natural History. Or check out the Mad Men exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image (in Astoria so a bit of a tight squeeze time wise, but doable).
        Or do some day drinking at the roof top beer garden at Eataly and then grab some delicious fresh pastas and other goodies from the shops downstairs to take home.

        • Anon in NYC

          If you want to stay in the Times Square / Hell’s Kitchen area, I’d suggest drinks/food at the Lamb’s Club (44th between 6th & 7th), Gotham West Market (44th & 11th), or Bea (43rd & 9th). If you’re into beer, there’s also Pony Bar (45th & 10th). There’s also the Bryant Park Grill.

          • NYNY

            If you’re into the theater, all the show people hang out at Glass House Tavern on 47th street post-show. We have a friend who works backstage on Broadway, and see stars every time we meet him there. Last time we were there, we saw Larry David’s private party celebrating the opening of his show.

    • Baconpancakes

      Between 5pm tonight until 7pm tomorrow, I have to finish editing and layout of my Haggadah, make matzo balls, chop veggies, make a flourless chocolate cake, hardboil eggs, make kugel, buy flowers, vacuum, set the table, make salad dressing, print the Haggadah, make a brisket, make soup, and roast a lamb shank. Phew.

      I might start the 4 glasses of wine early.

      • fashion fail

        you’re making me tired just thinking about it! Good luck to you both (and everyone else out there preparing great spreads). It’s never too early for wine.

    • Maddie Ross

      My weekend? Well, apparently dear husband invited some guys he works with and their families to our house for brunch in the morning. So I will be cooking and cleaning tonight/tomorrow morning. Sigh. Any suggestions for kid friendly brunch items?

      • fashion fail

        french toast casserole. You can prep it tonight & bake it in the morning. Conversely, a savory breakfast bake (sausage, cheese, eggs, etc) would also be easy. Those are my go-to prep-ahead brunch dishes. I will sometimes make biscuits too, and just have a nice variety of fresh soft butter, jams & apple butter along with fruit, some sliced ham, and cheeses.

        • Meg Murry

          Yes, a strata that you prep tonight and bake tomorrow is my go-to brunch.
          Alternately, frozen quiche or mini-quiche from Costco or GFS – looks fancy, very little work on your part.
          A premade ham and buns for sandwiches also works.
          I love brunch because you can basically serve anything you want. Breakfast foods, lunch foods, baked goods, alcohol – all fair game.

          • Meg Murry

            Oh, and I am firmly in the “you invited them without telling me, so YOU can menu plan/go to the grocery store/clean the toilets” – assigning whatever chores I don’t want to do to my husband, as long as it doesn’t wind up actually being more work for me than doing it myself in the end. If my husband wants to invite people over – fine. And he can do at least half, if not more of the prep work – its not all landing in my lap, because that is an ugly precedent to set.

        • AR

          This seems super delicious! I would love it, if I could ever get myself to make anything more than coffee in the morning.

          If you are looking for an easy kid breakfast, they usually love muffins. Mini muffins from Whole Foods is a real hit with the kiddos. That and a side of fruit would be loved.

          • Zelda

            There are tons of recipes out there (google “overnight french toast” or “french toast casserole”) but they generally involving placing bread (whole slices or chunks) in a pan, pouring french toast liquid (eggs+milk/cream) over, refrigerating overnight and then baking the next morning. Last time I made it I used croissants as the bread and it was ah-mazing!

          • la vie en bleu

            I love this recipe: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/08/baked-french-toast/

            But there are others that are good, just search “Baked French Toast.” This is my new way to make french toast even just for myself bc it is so much easier than standing over the pan and doing one at a time!

            I also put a layer of frozen berries in there [one layer of bread, sprinkle frozen berries all over, add more bread on top, pour the batter] and it is amazing, the berries come out all warm and gooey… yummmmmm. I might have to make some this weekend. ;o)

            ETA: you don’t have to refrigerate overnight. You can make it the night before and have it ready to go, or you can throw it together that morning.

          • anon

            challah or texas toast works best. Should be both sturdy and stale bread, otherwise it just gets soggy.

      • Baconpancakes

        Chocolate chip/blueberry pancakes! Baked french toast. OJ with seltzer for the kids and champagne for the adults. (They don’t need all the sugar in orange juice anyway, and the seltzer makes it feel fancy.) Kids are pretty straightforward. Throw pancakes, some bacon, and orange juice at them, and they’re full and happy. If you’re feeling fancy, make Micky Mouse pancakes.

      • JJ

        I will unapologetically send husband to a bakery to grab some baked goods for our brunches. Then, I’d do a fruit salad (I like to add blood oranges for color if you can get them) with fresh mint mixed in, and some kind of egg/breakfast casserole that you can make tonight and then bake tomorrow, or a frittata.

        • anon

          favorite fruit salad is cantaloupe/watermelon/pineapple/mixed berries with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar and sweetened flake coconut mixed in.

    • Calibrachoa

      I feel ya, I’m in the jeans + hiking shoes + band shrt camp today.

      My weekend will be pretty busy – going up to Belfast to do a guest DJ appearance (… less glamorous than it sounds!) coming back immediately after so I can work overnight on Sunday evening. I have most of Monday off, which will be then spent sleeping! (Tuesday is Discount Chocolate Day)

    • Miss Behaved

      I’ve been sick for 2 weeks, but finally feeling better although I still have a nasty cough.

      My parents and I are going to my sister’s place tomorrow. She has 3 awesome girls (aged 8, 10 and 11). We’re doing fondue tomorrow night. The girls and I are also making chocolate-filled raspberries. Super easy and yummy!

      On Sunday, my sister is making both savory and sweet crepes for breakfast.

      We’ll hangout during the day and have dinner late day. I’m not sure what she’s serving – probably ham or lamb. But I’m going to serve strawberry shortcake for dessert.

      Mostly, I’m hoping to chill and recover and hang with my nieces.

    • anoname

      As a reward for our student loan payoff, hubs and I will be dining at Alinea on Sunday. Couldn’t be more excited!

      • ace

        Enjoy! It is truly an amazing experience. Keep your eyes peeled for the big guy — I’ve seen him both times I was there, and it’s so funny how different (small & slender) he looks in person if you’ve seen him in photos/on TV.

    • la vie en bleu

      I’m in the same Friday boat as y’all, I got up late and had 18 minutes to get ready and out the door. Just barely made it. And my favorite booties are at the cobbler and I want them now and I’m pouting.

      Only plan for this weekend is a friend’s birthday ‘going out dancing night’ she’s kind of a crazy partier so it should be amusing. I’m going to spend most of it cleaning my house because my parents are coming next weekend for a short notice trip for a family memorial service up in Sacramento. I never met this person so it’s not emotional for me but it’s definitely going to be a crazy weekend getting us everywhere we need to go.

    • Must be Tuesday

      Easter Egg Hunt! I don’t have kids, but the hunt is a fundraiser for a community group I’m involved in, so I’ll be hiding eggs and running booths all morning. Then on Sunday, Easter dinner with some extended family and friends.

  5. Working from home?

    Questions for those working from home:

    – What kind of job do you have?
    – Is it one that specifically had “work from home” in the job description, or did you work out an arrangement with your employer?
    – How is the pay? (Would love real ranges if you don’t mind sharing)

    I work from home and although I am starting to become interested in making a job change, I’m hesitant to because I don’t want to go back to an office/cubicle/and worse – an open floor plan (egad!). I would love to know what others on this blog do from home…

    Thanks so much!

    • Miss Behaved

      I work from home 2 days a week, but it’s flexible. I’ve had a bad cold and worked from home all last week and 3 days this week.

      While I knew working from home was allowed when I started, it did not become part of the schedule until a year into the job. I work in IT for a university and make about $95K. I do work in a cube when I’m in the office, but then I’ve always worked in a cube. Until my current job, I worked in the corporate world. The Higher Ed world is much more flexible and a lot less stressful.

    • Lazy lawyer

      I’m an in-house lawyer for a large, household name software company, and usually work from home 3 days/week. I’ve had my job for almost 5 years, and make about $150k.

      When I first started, my manager allowed everyone to work from home one day per week (i.e., that was the formal policy). Now that my manager is several thousand miles away and few of my clients are local, I — and most of the other lawyers whose managers aren’t local — do not go into the office frequently. In fact, I exclusively worked from home for almost a year after having my baby. My arrangement is not formal, although it’s widely known that many of us do not go into the office regularly.

    • Toffee

      I am starting a 100% wfh job in patent searching this weekend. The entire firm is wfh, as is most patent search jobs. Pay is usually by the hour but I’m salaried at $80k. I’m hopeful for a significant pay bump after a year.

    • meme

      I’m a lawyer, and I work part time. I spend about 2 half days a week in my office, but that’s flexible, and I do the rest from home. I make about 100k working 50-60% of full time. I’ve been practicing for over a decade (I think that makes a big difference re: salary).

    • Anonymous

      Big Law midlevel. No one I work with is in my office so I usual wfh 1-2 days per week, but I don’t have a formal arrangement. Market pay.

      • ace

        Similar – biglaw senior level, doing a lot of work for people who aren’t in the same office or timezone (though do have some local bosses). I have informally worked from home ~1/week for about 4 months without a formal agreement/policy — no one seems to care as long as billables are strong, and eliminating commute and being closer to home helps me keep up billables and maintain some semblance of work life balance. Market rate.

    • anonsg

      And sorry to tack onto your question OP (I’m curious about the same questions you had!), but how do you keep productive working at home??

    • Flower

      I work in IT (database administration) remotely. I was doing something similar from the office, told my employer I was relocating to a new city, and they said “hey, want to do that job remotely?” I think working remotely in IT is really common though, as I am now job searching and at least half of the jobs are listed remotely to start, and most of the rest say telecommuting is possible for part of the week.

  6. Meg Murry

    Oh, and even though this post went up more than an hour ago, it just now showed up in my feed reader. Same with the mom’s s!te, even when I hit refresh on the feed reader. I’m wondering if that is why there has been so little action on the afternoon threads, because they wouldn’t show up in my feed reader until almost 4:00 eastern, not sure what time they actually got posted.

  7. ANP

    Good morning and happy Friday! I start a new job on Monday and am looking for some advice. This new position is a real dream gig for me, both in terms of career development and perks for our family. I’ll be managing a team of 9 people across three different (but overlapping) functional areas. These 9 people have relationships ranging from “close friends” to “hate one another’s guts.” There will, eventually, likely be some job eliminations/changes but I don’t see that happening for at least 8-18 months (depending on the person). I plan to give everyone a clean slate/fresh chance, etc. We’re going to work on retooling job descriptions so they’re realistic and relevant right off the bat!

    So — I’m here looking for tips on coming in as the Big Boss, in a position that did not previously exist. I report directly to the CEO and he’s done a great job of setting me up as an expert in my field, organization-wide. I’ve also been able to have informal lunch/coffee dates with all of my top-tier direct reports over the last two weeks, so I’m not super-concerned about icebreakers. Still, any “dos” and “do nots” from those of you who’ve been in this position — or who have seen others in my shoes — would be much appreciated!

    • Coach Laura

      ANP – congratulations on the new gig. If you are coming in fresh and at some point will clean house, then try to compartmentalize anything you’ve heard about the factions, personalities, work style etc and give each person a complete fresh start, let them show you what they can do, make your own observations and go from there.

    • K

      This would be a great question for Ask a Manager! She’s awesome and I think I’ve seen similar questions in the past, if you want to search her archives.

      As somebody who’s currently an underling to a boss who came from outside our organization, I just have one big pet peeve: if you come in and ask your employees for input, please demonstrate that you’re actually taking that input into consideration (even if it’s just to say “no, we really can’t do that”). I’ve had two separate bosses in two workplaces take some kind of survey of the employees when they first arrived, with promises to streamline procedures that were ineffective- and both did absolutely nothing about the issues in the end (from our perspective- if the issues had been discussed with the higher-ups, it was never communicated. I think both managers would have saved face if they let us know they’d at least broached the subject and the change just wasn’t possible). I think it did a lot to engender distrust of our managers. Ambitions fly high the first few months, and people new to the position bite off more than they can chew and just… let things go unaddressed. You can’t build Rome in a day.

      My most amazing managers have been diplomatic, communicative, and kind though very firm. I’ve appreciated managers that have offered relatively frequent, meaningful feedback AND kudos (an email is just fine!) when deserved. It’s a tough skill set and I job I could never hope to do! Good luck and congratulations!

    • NavyO

      Congratulations!! Used to be a manager in the Navy. Part of that is moving around a lot and being put in charge of all new people. I found that the best way to handle taking over a new place is sitting back and watching how things work for the first few weeks. Tell them up front that this is what you are doing, that you will watch and see if/what changes might need to be made and you appreciate their input. This gives you time to get the lay of the land and see who your best players are. This way, too, you can put people together who work well together. Or know who is a problem child and needs to be cut or minimized.

      Sometimes there were immediate problems that could not be ignored and had to be fixed immediately (safety related usually) but most of the time I could watch and then adjust things slowly to fit my style. My first change was usually something that most people agreed was a problem, and I put a lot of thought into making it a smooth transition. Cut down on the natural resentment of change and built trust.

      Also, if you put yourself open to input, you gain trust and people will come to you. You shouldn’t do everything they ask you to do, but you should try and explain why you are not.

      I hope this helps! Having your people trust and want to work hard for you really helps build your own success. My people really looked out for me throughout my time, and still do even now that I’m out.

    • ss

      Congratulations and good luck ! There are some important perspectives you need, other than your own staff :

      1. Any internal and external clients : set up a process to introduce yourself to them, in a way that maintains continuity and allows you to effectively manage key relationships

      2. From inside, HR and finance : meet with whoever looks after your function and ask to see this year’s budget, last year’s and current run rates for revenues/ sales/ billings if you have responsibility for those, and expenses otherwise. Also try to form an idea of how your budget fits into the larger corporate one. All this allows you to figure out how hard you have to run and also the scale of any consolidation/ elimination later on. For HR, ask to see this year’s salary data for your team, last year’s and their most-recent performance reviews, so that you can start planning how you might manage continuity in their development path alongside the strategic plans for your function.

      3. From outside, start looking around at how peer companies perform your functions – ask your clients, ask your staff and colleagues about how it was done at their prior work places, draw on your own network and so on. This gives you some basis for developing your own approach, rather simply reacting to internal politics.

    • West Coast

      Make sure that certain expectations that you may have are explicitly stated. For example, you may think about giving expectations around the following: timeliness for meetings, rules for meetings, how you like action items to be tracked, how you prefer to be contacted and when they should contact you via phone, message, or email, when you should be CC’d on emails, any expectations you have for how the team works together.

  8. anon

    I don’t have tips to offer, as I’ve never had any supervisees. My current boss came in about 3 months after I got hired. She came from halfway across the country. Previous boss had been here for years, he left for a CEO-level position. When she arrived, she was handed a group of people who had worked with one another for no less than 3 years (except me). Some were in the same boat–there was a pretty distinct divide between 2 divisions of the office. I have no idea how she managed it, but she was able to bring a little more unity to the department, even though there is still a bit of a divide. There’s no gut-hating, but there are sideways glances, gripes & resentment.

    Congratulations and best of luck!

  9. TNTT

    Hey Kat/Kate – is there a reason comments from my usual username are not posting?

  10. usedtobeTNTT

    Is anyone having comment posting issues? Boy will I be embarrassed when a zillion of mine show up at once…

    • anon a mouse

      There is definitely a comment lag, which seems to coincide with when a bunch of us started having other comment issues. When I comment, it often doesn’t show up for 15+ minutes (after the 5-minute edit period expires), whereas before it showed up right away.

    • la vie en bleu

      also are you refreshing every time you post? I’m not seeing my comments until I hard refresh

  11. usedtobesomeoneelse

    Is anyone else having comment posting issues under their usual username? I’m going to be super embarrassed when a bunch of mine show up all at once..

  12. Job options

    Has anyone here worked in the medical industry in one job, and changed to another?

    I am a doctor, and will leave patient care because I need to work part time with a flexible schedule (ideally, working from home…). I have been on an extended FMLA break, and realize I may be unable to go back to my prior schedule for many years due to caregiving needs.

    Any ideas? Income is less relevant. I have lived on a shoestring for years, and family illness has made me re-evaluate what is important in life. Single, no kids.

    • 2 Cents

      I don’t know much beyond what I’ve read in the news, but could you become one of those doctors who consults over the Internet? (TelADoc is one.) Not sure about pay, etc., but that kind of thing would seem to lend itself for a more flexible schedule.

      • padi

        Yes! I used to have a TelADoc membership. I always got the same doctor and I honestly had a better dr-patient relationship with him than I have ever had with an in-person doctor.

        My in-person doctor was not-so-happy I was using the service for minor things (I included everything in my medical history) instead of taking 3 hours off to visit her. So I guess there might be stigma in the medical profession for doctors who go this route?

        My TelADoc was very professional and never seemed to rush our appointments. He was very understanding when I missed his first (or second) attempt to reach me. I had a health scare where my doctor was telling me one thing, the NIH site said something else entirely. He very patiently walking me through my diagnosis, my doctor’s approach, and the NIH’s approach.

    • Anonymous

      Maybe try one of tbe EMR companies? EPIC , wellSoft, Cerner, etc all need people to help integrate the record software/interface with the actual provider needs.

    • Meg Murry

      When you say flexible, do you mean changing all the time, or do you just mean “not a normal 9-5”?

      I know a few doctors that now divide their time into doing rounds at a couple of different nursing homes – so on Monday and Wednesday mornings they will do rounds at nursing home A, Tuesdays and Thursdays at B and Fridays at C. Could you look into somewhere like a nursing home or group home where you could do rounds on an intermittent schedule? That is what one of the doctors in our area who is technically retired but too bored to stay home does.

      Alternately, maybe there is a free/low income clinic that could use a doctor for only mornings, or only 2 days a week or only during their busy season? Or one of those clinics like at Walgreens that typically hires PAs or Nurse Practicitioners? You might only get paid as a PA/NP instead of a medical doctor.

      I know none of these are working from home, but they are reduced schedules. Alternately, could you see if any of the software companies designing e-charting software need a doctor to beta, bug and feature test?

      Or could you teach an online class – maybe something offered at a community college online?

    • Coach Laura

      I know a coach (long-time friend) that is herself an MD with an MBA and made the change from patient care to tech interface, now works from home and has a long-time coaching business helping MDs make a transition to a new career phase. She consults via phone. Her website is physiciancoachingleadership[dot]com and she is excellent.

      • Job options

        Wow – thank you to everyone. I am really grateful for all of your great ideas.

        My contacts are not very helpful, as everyone is in hard core academic medicine and not very understanding of my current position.

        What I really need is something flexible even in a day to day and week to week basis, which is why working from home may be what I can do for now. I have to frequently bring family members to their doctor’s appointments and there are frequent hospitalizations where I need to be there for the duration, so my schedule has been very hard to predict. I also don’t think I will be able to do direct patient care (eg. part time in a clinic setting) because I have now had a significant gap in my clinical experience and there are liability issues. I have had recruiters contact me for short term gigs, but this gap has been a problem. However, returning to full time clinical medicine will be possible in the future, if and when I return at a lower training level in the future (eg. clinical fellowship).

        So for now, I appreciate your friend’s contact info Coach Laura, and everyone’s interesting ideas.

        • Coach Laura

          Oh, rats. I posted an incorrect website address so I hope you see this: physiciancoachinginstitute[dot]com

        • Meg Murry

          Do any of your hard core academics need help with editing or revising their work if they are getting ready to publish? Or analyzing data or turning data into graphs, etc? Could you assist with data review or analysis for clinical trials?

          Or do any of the academics teach? Could you get hired as a grader for them (if that’s allowed)? Could you tutor for the MCATs online? or get a gig grading the MCATs or AP Bio exam? I have a friend that was an AP Chemistry grader, and the season is coming up. Or what about taking on a private student or two for tutoring that might be willing to come to your house and be flexible about changing the times?

        • NYNY

          Look into working for an insurance company, if you can stomach it. I work in hospital finance, and in my experience, the big insurance companies barely maintain offices anymore, and mostly have wfh staff. They use physicians to deny claims for medical necessity, and might have part-time or flexible options.

          • Blonde Lawyer

            This is actually a great tip. It is not just health insurance. Disability insurance, personal injury carriers, med mal carriers.

            I don’t know if you were in primary care or specialty work but you could also consider signing up w/ expert services to give expert opinions for legal cases. You would eventually need to be available for a deposition and a trial if the case doesn’t settle but the original review and opinion can be done on your own time and depo scheduling is very flexible.

  13. DC Movers

    Any recommendations for movers in the DC area? SO and I will be moving our 750 sq foot apartment soon, and despite our new location being pretty close to our current place, we have just enough furniture that we’d rather outsource. TIA!

  14. Work Trip Q

    I will soon be starting a clerkship (federal district court) and my first week of work, I will be traveling. I’ll be working a trial from Monday to Friday. I’m sure this has been discussed on here before, but does anyone have a packing list down to a science? Or just packing/traveling tips in general? I’m wondering how many blazers/pants/skirts I should bring, as one example. Thanks all!

    • Emma

      I have this issue about every month as a COA clerk because we do one-week stints. I take:

      – 3 suits (I only have skirt suits.)
      – 1 pair of pumps
      – 1 pair of flats
      – 5 pairs of pantyhose
      – 5 tops that I can wear with the suits, and that will work by themselves
      – a pair of dark jeans
      – some trousers/chinos
      – a trench / rain coat & an umbrella

      We socialize each evening, but it’s relatively casual. So I usually take off my suit and throw on some jeans pants, sticking with the same top.

      • L in DC

        I agree with Emma’s list, although I’d only bring one pair of non suit pants instead of the chinos plus jeans.

        For packing blazers, fold them in half lengthwise with the lining on the outside and then nestle the one shoulder of the blazer into the other. Then fold horizontally. This keeps my blazers pretty much wrinkle free.

        For shoes, I’d bring a pair of low, comfortable wedges and a pair of low profile, stylish sneakers. Low wedges because you’re going to be doing a lot of walking in your suit and sneakers because your feet are going to want a break at the end of the day.

  15. changing shoes

    For everyone who changes from commuting flats to heels upon arrival at work, your search has ended:

    Huffington Post Dot Com 2015/04/02/tanya-heath-interchangeable-heels-womens-footwear_n_6987302.html?ir=Parents&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037

  16. SA-litagor

    SHOE PSA: You know those Comfort Plus Karmen pumps from Payless everyone on here reaves about (I have three pairs!)? Well Payless is having a major Easter sale, plus a 15% off coupon with online code 25146745, plus free shipping over $25, and free returns in store – so they’re $16.99 a pair! So yeah, I did just buy three more Karmen’s, and ventured over to buy two of the pointy-toe Janine version as well. So excited to get my shoes!

  17. BankrAtty

    Guys I ordered a load of stuff from Boden in my normal sizes and it was all so small–I literally got trapped in a dress and needed DH’s help to escape. I feel like a giant.

    • Blonde Lawyer

      Boden is shaped differently than many brands. If I had to guess, I’d say it is more generous in the chest and less forgiving in the hips. It is not you. It’s the brand.

      • ITDS

        I have found their shapes inconsistent as well. I am 5’1″ and have a couple of “regular length dresses that fit perfectly, and have also received some where the torso was way too long. Some of their petite lengths are comically long in the arms. They also have a big jump in measurements (sometimes) between a 10 and a 12, that the 10 will be a tiny bit too snug, and the 12 is huge. Frustrating. Thank god for free shipping AND returns.

    • anon a mouse

      Boden’s sizing is inconsistent even within the brand. I applaud them for posting actual garment measurements because it’s the only way to really get an idea of fit.

    • Wildkitten

      Boden never works for me. I don’t even know what the issue is, but my body and that brand are not compatible.

    • anonsg

      Not related to Boden, but did get trapped in a dress in a fitting room once at the mall and was not fun trying to get out of it. No DH to help me escape; I was in that fitting room a long time trying to get out of that dress. LOL.

  18. LP

    My coworker said this skirt looks “old”. Thoughts? I’m 30 and constantly mistaken for 18 so I don’t think I would mind.

    • Anonny

      I do not think it’s fashionable at all… if that’s what she means by old – not in style?

    • Anon

      I’m 22 and fresh out of university, I would totally wear this to work, at my office job. Not old at all

  19. Halp

    I posted this last night:

    I applied for 2 jobs (academic administration) at a university I would love to work for. I applied through their online job system, and typically I’ll email the supervisor of the position directly. In this case, the supervisor’s email is nowhere to be found, so I asked a colleague if they knew anyone who might have it. He called the school directly and asked for it, and the assistant that answered the phone asked him why he needed it, but gave it to him. So, I’ve been hesitant to email her directly as its clear she is not keen on people emailing her. I’m thinking about doing it anyway. I recently hired someone in part because they were so persistent in following up with me. I don’t want this opportunity to get away, but I’m worried she’ll be mad.

    A few kind commenters replied citing Ask A Manager and strongly suggesting I not contact her. Another suggested my network could reach out to her if they know her. For additional background, my network doesn’t really reach that far – she’s in a slightly different industry. Additionally, I think it will be easy to pass by my resume as I am relying on “transferrable” skills rather than direct experience in the areas I have applied to. Third, I applied to 2 jobs in the same weekend and want to underline that I’m not indecisive, rather, that I have skills relevant to both. And 4th, while I appreciate Ask A Manager, I often don’t feel that the advice applies to senior positions, which this is. I’ve found other advice to the contrary.

    So, any supporters of reaching out, to the contrary of AAM’s advice?

    • NOLA

      Halp, while I understand everything you’re saying, I don’t think you should contact the supervisor. The only time I’ve ever been swayed by persistence in hiring was a very entry level staff position.

      Did the HR system allow you to submit a letter of application? If it didn’t, then you should ask about submitting a letter of application in order to address all of the things you’re saying here. Expressing those to the supervisor (at least in my 25 years of experience in academia) won’t help. There’s a committee who are looking at the applications and they need to see you making the case for yourself (especially about the transferrable skills) in the letter of application. That’s what I look for – can someone make the case for how their skills can transfer to this position? That said, in our system, for staff at least (different for faculty level positions), HR prescreens the applications and won’t even send the ones where the minimum qualifications aren’t met. If I remember, the manager/supervisor wasn’t making it obvious how to reach out.

      • Halp

        NOLA, thank you for this. I did submit letters, and most definitely pointed to my transferable skills. I’m just trying to work all the angles. I appreciate your thoughtful response.

    • Anonymous

      Girl, we told you, don’t do this. You’re prob not getting the job anyway since you’re not experienced, and people don’t like it when you also can’t follow instructions, listen, or not be a crazy stalker.

    • Meg Murry

      I think you chance to make this point was in the cover letter. If you sent me an email about it, my first response would be “well, why did you send me this separately, didn’t you address that in your application materials”?

      Academic administration gets a million emails a day. You will be a nuisance to them, not helping your case at all. Don’t do it. If you can get a 2nd or 3rd hand introduction, that’s one thing – but don’t email the hiring manager and nag. Most people don’t find “persistent in following up” a positive – they find it annoying.

    • Must be Tuesday

      Don’t do it. Your cover letter should address the transferability of your skills. Contacting the supervisor at this point isn’t advocating for yourself, it’s pestering her in violation of her clear preference not to be pestered in such a way.

    • Anonymous Educator

      I am in senior management in an academic setting where sending such a message might seriously jeopardize further consideration. Respecting boundaries is highly valued and a candidate who seems to willfully ignore them tends to raise concerns about whether her behavior would prove overly aggressive once employed. There are typically many applicants for each position and a reluctance to interview more than a handful. As a result, applicants are eliminated for what may seem minor errors. Of course, organizations and individuals can vary as to how they would view this.

      I myself would find direct communication from an applicant for a position under my supervision to be troubling, if not disqualifying. Persistence can be a valuable quality when appropriately used but can be problematic when it crosses lines.

  20. Cimorene

    We are planning a multi-generational trip to Mexico City in November. Four grandparents, my husband and me, two preschoolers, and our nanny, who is from Mexico but not Mexico City. Any tips? Where should we stay? Can’t miss activities (other than KidZania, which has been on the “to do” list from the start)? We are all active and adventurous. We’ll have about five-six days before we head to a resort/Mayan ruins. Thanks!

    • BankrAtty

      The blogger behind Oh Happy Day just wrapped up a trip to Mexico City–she traveled with her spouse and two small children.

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