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.
For busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional.
Summer tweed never totally makes sense to me (can we come up with a different name for it, at least?), but despite that, I'm liking this navy and white tweed suit from Ann Taylor. I like the looser fit to the jacket (it's almost got a '50s vibe to it, doesn't it?) and the two button closure, and I like that it's lined. It's available, online only, in sizes 00-18, regular and petites; the jacket (Two Button Tweed Jacket) is $168, and the skirt (Tweed Pencil Skirt) is $88.
 |
 |
 |
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:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Margaret
Yay, I got here early! I have, I think, an interesting question for the hive. The short version of the question is: how does one tackle an interview when the interviewers have a negative (but admittedly well-grounded) opinion of your personality?
My husband has an upcoming second interview for a job he very much wants. After the previous first round of interviews, he was told by friends at the company that the impression was that he was very qualified, but that they were worried about fit because he has a reputation in his small industry for being “harsh”, and he did not allay these concerns in his first-round interview. FWIW, these impressions are accurate. My husband is very confident in his skills, and he is no-holds-bars with his opinion: he talks VERY animatedly, curses, and doesn’t like to sugarcoat negative opinions very well. However, it is important to note that he is, for lack of a better word, jolly during these interactions. As in, he is having a fun argument (to him), not an angry or tense argument. Also, I do believe that my husband has always gotten along with the vast majority of his colleagues, which I think is a testament to an underlying good nature.
My husband is trying to decide what he can do at his interview next week to address or allay concerns that he will not fit in at this office that prides itself on “collegiality.” Any good advice for him? Does he address it head-on? What is the most useful thing he can do to allay these concerns? This round of interviews will include meets with both potential supervisors and same-level colleagues. Also, I should note that my husband is also is not very good at small talk, so his attempts to focus on small talk during his first round of interviews fell flat (according to him).
FWIW, I’ve already suggested to him that maybe this office is not the best fit for him, and he takes my point, but still very much wants the job.
Green
I have to agree with your last sentence. Fit is important. He may really want this position, but if the culture is not one where he can be his usual self he is either going to crash and burn, or be miserable twisting himself into someone he is not. I think the most he can do is acknowledge that he has a very direct style of communication, but that in his experience, he has been able to get along well with colleagues despite (or perhaps because of?) his direct style.
NOLA
I’m wondering if he might have a chance to address it if he is asked one of those questions like “What is your biggest weakness” or “What is your greatest challenge.” Not great questions but they get asked a lot. I’m thinking he should prepare an answer that indicates that he knows this is an issue and how he works with people and makes it work for him. Being self-aware goes a long way with many people and especially if he has a way to address the concerns.
anon
I think this would be the most natural way to handle it. Also, he should make an extra effort to be warm and smile genuinely and be as gracious as much as possible to everyone, to not interrupt, listen politely, etc… But it might not work out even so. It sounds like this is the kind of thing people will instinctively sense just from his body language and the way he participates in conversations, and it doesn’t matter how much he says he’s a team player, if his body language and mannerisms suggest otherwise.
Not a lawyer
I agree that fit is important, but if he really wants this position and is sure that the fit will be right if he can just get past the interview portion, then I think he should address it proactively. I have been in a similar situation, where I have been interviewing for a position when the interviewer had heard less-than-stellar things about my personality, namely not collaborative or team-focused. I knew where this information originated (a colleague in another area that attended ONE meeting with me, but had the ear of the higher ups), so felt it was best to be prepared to discuss it at the interview. In preparation, I spoke with a long list of people that I worked with in various capacities over the years and asked them to help me with a ‘developmental challenge,’ and describe me/ working with me in three words or phrases, good or bad. Knowing that i was doing it for developmental purposes, people were very candid and i recieves some excellent feedback. From there, a few themes rose to the top. In the interview, at the soonest possible moment (a question about teamwork, I think), I brought out the list and discussed how most people saw me as x,y,z but one piece of feedback I have received in the past is Teamwork and here are the steps that I have/ am currently taking to develop in this area. The conversation was very positive, answered any lingering questions, and has put an end to any/ all rumors that I dont collaborate with others well. Ultimately, the position went to someone more senior, but in the grand scheme of things, addressing and squashing that ‘issue’ was probably a better outcome than actually getting the job. If your husband can do something similar- talk to colleagues or have a few write letters of recommendation addressing his style, so that he can comfortably brig it up in the interview and address any concerns- at least he can feel like he’s played his whole hand to get to where he wants to be.
anon
Wow, that’s pretty intense that you pulled out a sheet of paper full of people’s impressions of you during an interview!
Not a lawyer
Haha, yes, I guess that does sound intense! I should clarify that I had a list available of the people that I spoke with in preperation, but spoke mostly to the three themes of that emerged. I promise I didnt pull out the list and go over every first impression anyone in our company has ever had of me! It is not something that I would recommend everyone do in prep for an interview, but it was a very helpful way to proactively address ‘personality’ concerns for an internal position. It was a pretty natural response to a common interview question (what would your teammates say about working with you?), and was well-received.
ANONNY
The goal shouldn’t be how to manage the interview. The goal should be finding a place that jives well with his experience and style. He shouldn’t try to be something he is not. It’s tough all around then. Neither side will be happy if fit isn’t right, and he’ll risk having his reputation go from someone who is sometimes “harsh” to someone you don’t want to work with at all.
I know this goes beyond what you are asking, but you also may want to encourage him to explore the “fun argument” part of his overall approach. Life is too short and filled with too many legit reasons to disagree than to waste time with someone who simply wants to hear his own view win out for the sake of winning. There is nothing jolly about wasting time like that. Dogmatism may get you temporary wins, but you set yourself up for long-term losses since people can have a hard time telling when you really mean what you are saying. It also means you risk coming across as harsh vs. honest when you take a different position than others. Just something to maybe get him to think about when looking to advance.
Sara C.
Just a general gripe that has no answer, but oh how I wish this suit (and most suits) came in tall sizes! I love the look of this one, and the price is right, but I know the jacket would be too cropped and the skirt would be inapprorpiate. Sad face. I’m happy the petites out there get to have their fun, but give us tall girls a break sometimes too!
Mountain Girl
Amen Sister!!
Ellen
I agree with you, but not for me. I would just LOVE to find a pencil skirt with a LITTEL more room in the tuchus. Right now, they don’t exist in my size, and there is NO way I could spend money on a suit with a pencil skirt that is to tight for my tuchus. FOOEY!
Thank’s to the HIVE for suggesteing the Engagement Chicken. YAY!!!!! I am showeing my mom and Grandma Leyeh and I am sure to try this b/c I am VERY superciticious and I need to get MARRIED and have a baby in just over a year. OMG, this is cutteing it close! I hope I get Philip or another guy if he does NOT “step up to the plate” — but NOT like Jim with his dumb baseball hat on backward’s! I need a man, not a schumuck! DOUBEL FOOEY!
MJ
Generally agree, but I am tall but short-waisted, so this is as good a choice as any for me…3/4 sleeves are my friend (for non-interview suits). And I don’t mind showing a big of leg if the rest of me is tasteful :).
If long-waisted, head to Long Tall Sally…their suits are Looooooong in the body and skirt hems are appropriate as well. Sadly, they use a lot of weird polyester in their suiting, but…you can win everything.
NashJD
Agreed – really annoying. This would look obscene on me unless it came in a tall size.
long time lurker
Tall and busty here: I ordered this suit, and it does NOT work at all. I could deal with a short skirt but the jacket is tight across the chest and too short all over the place. Return!
I have some JCrew super120s suits that work. I need a two button jacket with the button in the exact right place and some length to the jacket. Right now my favorite black blazer is from the Gap, ordered in Tall, and it is perfect. But I need some color and variety.
anon in DC
‘ve been trying to get an answer in writing from Ann Taylor for the past few days but they’re ignoring me (and over the phone, they keep telling me different things). Is it true (/has it been your experience) that when you return an online order that was paid with a gift card + credit card, that the entirety of the refund goes to your credit card? This is what I was told over the phone (one of the times) but my experience with other stores has been that you get the gift card amount back into the gift card (or they mail you a new one). Thanks!
AIMS
No idea about AT, but I just went through this with H&M, and the entire amount went on my CC. Mine was a store credit but it was on a card, so idea should be the same. What I was told is that basically if the amount on the CC was more than the gift card, it goes on the CC.
anon in DC
I’ve been trying to get an answer in writing from Ann Taylor for the past few days but they’re ignoring me (and over the phone, they keep telling me different things). Is it true (/has it been your experience) that when you return an online order that was paid with a gift card + credit card, that the entirety of the refund goes to your credit card? This is what I was told over the phone (one of the times) but my experience with other stores has been that you get the gift card amount back into the gift card (or they mail you a new one). Thanks!
s
Have never heard of this – pretty sure it goes back in original form of payment aka gift card + credit card.
Orangerie
Agree that it makes sense to receive a refund in the original form(s) of payment. However, I’m not surprised you were given misinformation on the phone, and are now being ignored. I had a pretty bad experience with their phone customer service and ended up having to write a letter to the corporate office before anyone resolve my issue.
Orangerie
Argh, resolved*
ADL
Perhaps try asking via twitter? Or call the one of the local retail stores in DC (since it looks like you’re in DC)? I would assume original form of payment, i.e. gift card and credit card.
anon in DC
I tried Twitter – they’ve responded to other questions in the past (and have tweeted since I asked!), but I’m getting nothing. I’m honestly pretty disappointed with their customer service.
Macy's Experience
I don’t have AT experience with this, but at Macy’s they’ll put the whole credit on the CC rather than the GC. Before our wedding, DH and I bought a dining room set, charged it on the Macy’s CC, and then did a series of purchases and returns in the store – using the CC and a GC each time – to basically allow us to apply the GC’s we received as wedding gifts to the outstanding CC balance for the dining room table.
s
This is a different situation though, you were using GC’s to offset the CC payment.
Fed atty 'rettes?
Question–how long does it typically take an entry-level federal agency attorney hired as a GS-11 to advance to a GS-12? Google is failing me….
DC Wonkette
I’m not a lawyer but work in federal government. I advanced to a 12 after a year as an 11 which is slightly unusual. I would say no more than 2-3 years, depending on whether the position is coded as GS-11 only or GS-11/12/13. Sadly, the bureaucracy of how to process the promotion usually affects the rate of promotion more than merit.
anon fed
In my office, 1 year.
AIMS
I love this suit! Maybe I’ve been watching too many episodes of Mad Men, but it strikes me as very lovely and with just the right touch of retro. I hate that I can’t try it on in-store though – most AT suits do not work for me.
Bonnie
I got the same retro vibe AIMS. I wish AT’s sizing was more consistent.
phillygirlruns
agreed – love the suit and the slightly mad-men vibe, wish i could try it on before buying – the fact that you can return in-store makes it more likely that i’ll actually return it if it doesn’t work, but sometimes even that seems like an insurmountable hassle.
Anonymous
How do you deal with being looked up and down by men?
I recently lost about 50 lbs, and since then, I’ve noticed that men tend to leer (or seem to), and it makes me very uncomfortable. I’ve never been this “attractive” as an adult, and I don’t know how to deal with it. It makes me miss being bigger and being ignored. This happens during meetings, at the gym, walking down the street, all the time. I just hate how it feels to be eyed and it makes me feel very vulnerable.
mascot
First, congratulations on the weight loss. I think that as you get more comfortable in your own skin, you will feel less vunerable and not be as conscious about people glancing at you. I think it is human nature to spend a little more time looking at things that we might find attractive, whether it be looking at a beautiful flower, checking out those cute shoes a few tables over, or noticing what nice eyes the bartender has. In turn, it’s okay to receive those glances as a compliment or confidence booster.It’s okay to be attractive. Now if you are getting openly leered at or getting inappropriate comments, that’s another story.
AIMS
I agree. I think part of it is just noticing what you’re not quite used to. I notice it myself when I wear something different even. E.g., when the weather heats up and I sometimes go get lunch without my blazer, I notice a slightly different response than when I am wearing a full suit + coat.
I would also say that the who/what/where matters. For instance, when I go to get lunch in the summer andnotice a bit more “leering” from some guy or other,I more or less ignore it because what difference does some guy sitting on a bench really make. But if I was getting a similar response from someone in a meeting, I might say something or at least make a pointed “ahem” to bring attention back to the topic at hand. I think it’s a matter of picking your battles.
Anonymous
I usually ignore it. It is uncomfortable, really uncomfortable, but you can’t control where people look. You will get used to it and then hardly notice it anymore unless someone is pointedly staring at you for a long time. I think that probably just because it’s new you are noticing it more. Or maybe your increased confidence is causing you to look people in the eye more walking around and you see that they are looking at you (and I bet men checked you out before!). On the flipside, you can look them straight in the eye and sometimes that makes them realize they are staring. I think it’s a little odd that it’s happening at meetings though. No woman should have to go through that, but make sure you aren’t wearing something that pulls the attention away from your work/the meeting (ideally every woman should be able to wear a bathing suit and get the same amount of respect as if she’s wearing a suit, but that’s not how it works).
Olivia Pope
I have long ago accepted that I can’t change people, especially strangers on the street. I’ve learned how to simply ignore the creepers who don’t go beyond looking. Certainly don’t give these randos the power to change how you feel about yourself (easier said than done for many, I understand).
You are probably giving off more confident vibes since your weight loss, and the horde is noticing. Over time, you will learn not to notice them in return.
Alice
While this doesn’t happen to me all the time, I know the feeling, and hate it too. Personally, when it’s a stranger on the street, it makes me feel better to: (1) consciously stand up straight; (2) hold my head a bit higher than usual; and (3) make eye contact without smiling. I doubt this gets through to the other person, but it is my way of saying, “I know what you are doing, and you are not going to make me feel ashamed/objectified.” If I avert my eyes and act as unomfortable as I feel, it bothers me more afterward. I like to think that if I look at the person’s face and he meets my eyes later, he knows I saw him checking me out, and maybe he will feel as uncomfortable as I do.
It is more difficult if it is someone with whom you interact for a longer period of time. I’ll be following responses.
Famouscait
I do the “I-see-you-seeing-me” look as well. I find it can make the looker turn away and I feel in control.
Anne Shirley
I smile inwardly and enjoy it. Unless I find them attractive, in which case I return the compliment and check them out.
Joanna Toews
+1
I’m getting more comfortable checking out attractive people in public. Also, I’ve been feeling more comfortable with being given the ol’ once-over myself.
I suspect the correlation is actually causation, though I’m not sure what’s causing what.
Lynnet
I’m pretty oblivious to this kind of thing, and generally only notice if there are catcalls or other vocal impressions involved, but when that I happens I react pretty much exactly the same way I react to panhandlers and greenpeace volunteers.- Stare straight ahead and pretend that the person doesn’t exist. Since the only time I encounter catcallers, panhandlers, or greenpeace volunteers is on my walk from the bus stop to work, I can ignore everyone equally.
TCFKAG
I really think this is a situational thing that requires different responses in different cases.
(1) If this is happening with colleagues – I think taking the advice about standing up straight, looking them in the eye, and saying “did you need something?” or something of the sort [kind of an FYI, I can see you, but I’m not going to escalate this if you back off now sort of exchange.] If it escalates to more than that, being calm and forceful in your lack of interest is important – also document all negative interactions – and don’t be afraid to involve a trusted supervisor.
(2) If it is randoms on the street and they *dont’t* approach you, I’d treat it a bit like catching another woman checking out your shoes. Its an aesthetic appreciation that doesn’t impact you – if you know what I mean. But I would resist the urge that I know for me is very ingrained to politely smile and make kind of shy eye contact (that is what often escalates it to the 3 kind of interaction) – this is something I had to learn the hard way when I was younger and studied abroad in Italy.
(3) If a guy you’re not at all interested in decides to engage you after the look and leer, I think the best thing you can do is to be calm, not smile, and move away if you can. If you are trapped on a train, I’d pull out a phone or a book or something and indicate that you need to work. But respect the feeling of discomfort you get, its okay, you don’t *have* to give them the time of day to be polite (does that make sense?) Again, when I studied abroad, at first I would engage with men who came over to talk to me or followed me on the street out of some sense of … I don’t know … long ingrained politeness (despite having been raised by a hard-line feminist) – but over the course of that time I definitely learned that this was not a good way to handle the situation. Got much better at the ignore and cold face.
Of course – if he seems cute and non-creepy – you could always engage. :-P But just remember to trust your gut. You have it for a reason.
DAR
Good points, TCFKAG.
This is why I almost always wear dark-dark sunglasses walking down the street of a city, on the subway or bus. It allows me to be inscrutable behind the lenses and ignore panhandlers or leering looks. I would suggest this to the OP when she is walking. Doesn’t work in an office though.
Anonymous
Oy vey. I grew up with this in Europe (generally happens even more there, I’d say, or at least in my experience) and it has continued here in the US. My Mom has spent my whole life not understanding my utter frustration and fury at this and has been telling me to “take it as a compliment” and “enjoy it.” :)
I, however, respond to pretty much every single one of these lovely leering gentlemen, and my response varies on a case-by-case basis. Although I actually hardly ever really curse in “regular life” and it would not be a stretch to describe as as in possession of somewhat of a “lady-like” demeanor – he he – I do love: always looking at them straight in the eyes with a serious face and then make some kind of exaggerated disgusted face, flipping them off nicely, yelling things at them that correspond to what they might say or whatever comes to me, or even making a terrible “wanna fight, I’ll kick your ***?” puffed up nonverbal gesture.
I am absolutely *ridiculous* and I *know* I could easily endanger myself by behaving in this way. I have tried and tried to be passive and pretend they’re not there. I can’t. Essentially, I only feel better about the situation if I react in some “crazy” and “un-ladylike” manner at these men. So, this is what I do, knowing full well it may not be the best reaction.
Anonymous
Reading TCFKAG’s comment now, I agree that is the best way to handle each of these situations. Re: #3, I would say that I never (NEVER, you hear!) engage them as in “hi-whatcha-want” way, but I surely do engage them to tell them to, say, “go home to your mother/take a shower” way (only because I want to feel good).
Anon for this
I just got a job offer! Now that I’ve gotten past the hurdle of salary negotiations (which I dread), I have to give notice, (which I always dread, and am really dreading because I actually like my current job). But this new job pays a lot more and means I will have a much better commute. I hate feeling like I am going to be “disappointing” my bosses, especially since I think that if I were a man, I wouldn’t feel that way and no one would fault me for seizing the opportunity to earn more.
Anonymous
Men have emotions too. My husband felt guilty about leaving his great job, they are not robots. No one will fault you for sezing the oppertunity to earn more, even if they will miss you at that work. I don’t know why this site always thinks men are these awesome robots that never make missteps at work or feel any type of emotion.
Olivia Pope
Congrats!
Not a critique of you specifically, but sometimes I think women beat themselves up with the “if I were a man, I would have no feelings” bit. I would bet many men would feel the same way, but just wouldn’t share it with anyone because they are socialized to internalize their emotions. The important thing is that you work towards your personal career goals (which you’re doing). You don’t have to be emotionless while you’re doing it!
AnonAZ
I totally read the original post as “if I were THE man, I wouldn’t” and took it to mean that if she were the boss, she wouldn’t fault employees for quitting for a better opportunity. I like that version better!
TCFKAG
I’ve known plenty of men who have stayed at wrong the wrong jobs for plenty of bad reasons – misplaced loyalties, fear, lack of ambition, confusion about their future, etc. I feel like this idea that “men would totally just go for what they want all the time no matter what the cost and we should all aspire to be this mythical man” is somewhat a straw figure.
What we are aspiring to be is someone without doubts, someone with control over their future, who is confident in all their decisions, etc. This is probably a pipe dream for everyone (even men) – but I really don’t see why we can’t re-gender this hypothetical ideal as a woman. Come on – lets inspire to be the impossible *woman* not the impossible man! :-)
Anonymous
men aren’t robots. I thought I responded to this but its really weird how this site thinks this thing called “men” are robots who always do the right business decision. my husband felt guilty when he left the job he enjoyed, and no one is faulting you the opportunity to earn more, female or male, even if they will miss you at your job
Double Hoo
Congrats!
I think you’re conflating two things here: your bosses probably will be disappointed to lose you as an employee, but not necessarily because they will resent you going somewhere else that pays better/has the better commute/other attributes. The disappointment is not personally directed at you, but instead at the gap your departure will create within the team. The old bosses see you as part of the company, and you see that job as part of your larger career — sometimes it’s hard to remember that others don’t have that same internal image of yourself that you do. It would almost be an insult if they weren’t disappointed, because if losing you doesn’t affect the company, it would suggest that you hadn’t been adding value. So take it as a twisted kind of compliment. Don’t overthink it with “what would a man do?” (which I think is sometimes a fallacy on this site; men aren’t perfect and don’t all act the same). Just own your resignation and leave on good terms.
new york associate
Lawyers: I am just coming to the realization that I love being on trial. The problem is that I work in BigLaw and trials are few and far between. Any suggestions for legal jobs that are trial-intensive but that aren’t AUSA/DA jobs? I would love to do that kind of work, but am the sole breadwinner for my family and can’t afford to do so (trust me, I’ve run the numbers a million times.) I’m not David Boies, but I’d like to be.
AIMS
What area are you in? Can you make a transition to a smaller boutique litigation firm that won’t mean as much of a paycut?
new york associate
I’m in general commercial litigation, not specialized.
AIMS
There are a number of smaller commercial litigation firms in NY (which is where I assume you’re located) , many of which I think are actually much better at actually trying cases than most of the “biglaw” firms. They work you just as hard and probably pay a little less, but I should think if you like being on trial, you’ll find the work more rewarding. I would look into those.
Anon for this
Agreed. That’s pretty much exactly what I do. Our 100-lawyer “boutique” pays market salaries but slightly lower bonuses for associates, but partner pay is comparable to BigLaw. Our clients are big companies with really big problems, and they hire us to try those cases for them. It’s great!
new york associate
How do you find those firms? Recruiter? Word of mouth? I don’t want to go to a place like Q**** E******** that advertises itself as a trial shop, but isn’t meaningfully different than what I do now.
Anonymous
Word of mouth. QE is not known as a “trial shop” among people who regularly try cases. Think firms like Friedman Kaplan Seiler or Storch Amini & Munves… Maybe Miller Wrubel…
JJ
Or perhaps changing your practice area? If you’re doing giant, all-hands-on-deck litigation that takes years and years to resolve, you’ll never get to go to trial or to contribute meaningfully. If you’re doing small commercial litigation cases, single-plaintiff employment cases, etc., you can go to trial about once or twice a year on average.
SpaceMountain
I’ve been in litigation for nearly 20 yrs, and can’t think of anything other than a stint in government. Most seasoned litigators did a tour through the government (AUSA, DOJ, Public Defender) to get that trial experience. You might get more trials taking on small pro bono cases if they are already in court when you pick them up.
LawyrChk
Threadjack: What do you do when you are really, really slow at work? After three-plus very busy years, I’m finally hitting a slow spell. I have some work, but probably not enough to bill more than 4 hours a day. This could change at a moment’s notice if a new deal comes in, but right now I’m bored out of my skull and surfing the web/sneaking in my Kindle to work (bad habit).
FWIW, my impression is that pretty much everyone in my group is in this position (and some have been slow for much longer).
Mary Ann Singleton
Can you spend some time to brush up on general skills in your area? Go to courses/seminars (like PLI)? Do some business development or networking? It’s always good to show that you were proactive and used your slower times, rather than twiddling your thumbs (even though that can be nice too after a busy spell).
phillygirlruns
i agree with the recs above – also, take some time to review any recent or upcoming developments that might be worth writing an article about. i have a stack of legal magazines (ABI journal, local bar publications, etc.) that i’d love to get around to nosing through at some point for just that purpose.
Mary Ann Singleton
Definitely – good time to try to get published, even if it’s for a short article. The partners I work for have told me that most legal magazines are desperate for content, and it’s a very nice thing to have on your website bio and resume.
abogada
Go on vacation (or take a long weekend). Schedule a bunch of networking lunches (or breakfasts or coffee or whatever). Go to the gym during the workday. Take a long walk in the middle of the day. Pick up some new pro bono cases, maybe ones that require training and/or learning the basics of a new area of law that you wouldn’t otherwise have time for (political asylum, mortgage foreclosure arbitration, guardian ad litem in custody or probate matters). Catch up on unread bar journals. Sign up for some all day CLE courses.
ML
Schedule all the appointments you never have time for. Go to the doctor, the dentist, get an eye check up, a hair cut, a wax, visit the DMV, whatever you need to do. Figure out any annoying paperwork that you’ve been meaning to look into – setting up a new savings account, 401K, changing your health benefits, tax status, etc.
MB
Here’s a tip: you can use Kindle Cloud Reader in your browser, on your computer, and as long as you aren’t reading steamy romance or heavily illustrated books, it looks like you’re researching. I don’t say this because I’ve done it, or anything. Not at all. Never. :)
As far as what to do when you’re slow – I agree with all the other suggestions. I also think this would be a good time to get out of the office and go to networking lunches, meetings, events, etc. If you use this time to drum up new business, you’ll be busy soon enough. :)
Anonymous
I’m thinking of starting a maternity fashion blog/personal style blog. I’ve done some Googling and haven’t been able to find any others, so it seems like there is a need. Any thoughts? Do y’all know of any similar blogs? I’ve looked at Pregnant Fashionista, but that’s the only one I’ve found, and mine would be different. For one thing, it’ll be more personal style (as long as I can make that last) and for another, it’ll be more work focused. Thoughts?
Nonny
As someone who has just recently started to look at the whole realm of maternity fashion, I think this is a great idea, and I would definitely visit a blog like that. The only thing to keep in mind is that your readership would be constantly changing – it probably wouldn’t be the same people who come back for years on end, like this blog. Not necessarily a bad thing, just requires a mindful approach.
Anon
+1,000
petitesq
On the sadly-discontinued Academichic (archives are still available), one of the girls documents 2 pregnancies throughout the course of the blog. I was always impressed with her style – and really miss that blog!!
F in SF
Oh, I miss them too! I started reading them in college. One of the ladies – R – still blogs at simplybike. (google for the URL)
TCFKAG
I think that sounds pretty cool and if judging from the comments on here – there is definitely some demand for creative, work-appropriate maternity wear ideas out there.
RR
I’m late to the party, but YES YES YES!!! Please! I feel like I’ve scoured the known universe looking for maternity suits (the fact that I’m not under a size 14 complicates this) and would love to see how other women do it.
Merabella
Ain’t No Mom Jeans is a blog I read frequently, not so much maternity anymore, but she did go into that when she was pregnant. However, it isn’t “work” styles, she focuses more on running around town clothes.
Another Break-Up Follow-Up
Thanks for those of you who responded to my post a couple of days back. The reality that my relationship is over is just starting to sink in, and I can feel panic creeping in. Am I making a mistake? Should I tell him I’m having doubts and want to revisit whether we can make it work? I realize I’m the only one who can answer these questions. This is hard.
AIMS
Why are you having doubts?
L
The first few weeks are always the hardest. All the sudden you’re alone and have all this time/space to ask yourself questions. Go out and do stuff! Go to dinner, the gym, take a cooking class. Sitting on your couch and being nostalgic isn’t healthy. Presumably you ended it for valid reasons, so you have to ask yourself, if he didn’t fix those issues during the years you were together, why would he after only a few days apart?
OP
Thanks guys. I’m having doubts because he’s a good man and those are hard to find, and because I don’t know what lies ahead.
Orangerie
I know how you feel, but try to remember that just because he’s a good man doesn’t mean he’s the right man for you.
L
+1
NOLA
Well, the thing is, we never know what lies ahead. Years ago, a friend of mine told me she was trying to get better at not knowing and I decided to adopt that myself. It takes a lot of work! You have to have faith that you are making the right decisions for yourself and your future and that, even though you don’t know how things will work out, it will be okay in the end.
Yikes
Anyone else seeing a web ad for “Woman Within” plus-size clothing? What a terrible name! As in, “somewhere, within that fat body, there is an actual woman”? Or, “focus on the woman within, because the outside is fat and ugly” ?
Eleanor
Ha, I saw that ad earlier and thought it was a ridiculous brand name. “Our clothes will help you express the woman you are within, because you can’t possibly like the ‘woman without’ or want to clothe her.”
Em
Even worse than “Dress Barn” which frankly boggles my mind every time I see it.
Anon
Dress barn sells regular size dresses. And petites. They’re like TJ Max.
Anonymous
Would any of you choose a different legal practice area if you had to go through law school all over again in today’s market? Why or why not?
Grass is Greener
I practice in a niche area that I’d never heard of in law school. I like it, but not how with a blackberry I’m always on duty. In-house or stepping back in this field doesn’t seem to be an option.
But I think I’d like to be a nurse. I enjoy interacting with people and really would like to feel less abstractly useful. I am a hard worker, but wouldn’t like the med school debt (it’s the only thing that makes law school debt seem OK, but I don’ t know out of work doctors the way I know out of work lawyers).
I find medical things very interesting and tolerate stress well. So nursing? I’m mulling it over as a 10-years-from now career change, but maybe it’s a pipe dream. Feel free to burst my bubble.
AIMS
Not trying to burst your bubble but I did go to law school with one former nurse practitioner and a doctor so maybe the grass is always greener? On a more serious note, I think nursing can be very physically demanding. One thing I like about being an attorney is that it’s much more cerebral – something you could do as long as your brain works.
As to the original question, I like what I am doing now but I always wondered if I would have been happier (or just as happy) doing trusts & estates.
Grass is Greener
I used to do some T&E work. It’s fascinating. BUT way too many meetings where people wound up screaming at each re who loved whom more. Um, I’m billing you to listen to this (but will we ever collect) . . .
I’m in more of a #s field now, so tax-ish. No screaming. But I worked until midnight last night (albeit from home).
I get a bit stir crazy at a desk with mainly e-mail contact. I could read law books if I did something else for a living, so I don’t think I’d give up the mentally challenging thinking.
January
I’d be curious to know how many readers (especially post-2008 grads) are in an area that they actively chose. I’m in my practice area because my firm happened to have an opening (’10 grad, with some time spent clerking). It suits me well enough, I suppose, but I know when I was in law school I would not have been drawn to it.
Anonymous
This. I didn’t chose a practice group. They were hiring and I wanted a job.
Sydney Bristow
Not a different law school path, but I’d get an undergraduate degree in a scientific field so I could sit for the patent bar. I’d still focus on IP in law school with the goal of practicing in the area.
Lynnet
I would choose a different original major. I actually find my practice pretty interesting, but the things I find fun and interesting about it are things I could have gotten in a job in another field right out of undergrad without wasting three years and accumulating a lot of debt.
Brunette Elle Woods
I was in a meeting today with my boss and a client who is also an attorney. The client called me dear and then almost immediately apologized for being sexist. I was shocked that he recognized that and said something! I know it is late in the day and random, but I had to share this.
Anon
Are top 10 law schools still worth it?
roses
If you want to be a lawyer.
Anonymous
Not unless you have a substantial scholarship. I can’t imagine going to any law school for full price nowadays, perhaps even including Yale. Even if you get a biglaw job, which is far from certain, you’ll just be miserable for years doing that work to pay off your debt.
Do yourself a huge favor and do not go to law school unless you can avoid having more than $50,000 or $75,000 in debt after you graduate and you’re going to a top school. If you’re interested in practicing only in a particular region, a state school with some debt (less than $30,000 over three years) might be ok, but don’t expect a biglaw job from that. You simply won’t get it. Besides, even if you do get it, you’ll be miserable.
–2010 graduate of top 6 law school who paid sticker
AnonAtty
“Top ten” isn’t a thing. I wouldn’t recommend Duke at full-price. Aside from, say, six schools, region/location still matters.