What's the Matter with Downtown?
So being car-free, I've pretty much got three choices, workwise: I can work in Ohio City (where I live), downtown (a three minute commute on the train!), or in University Circle.
I had two job interviews last month, one downtown and the other in UC. I got the one in University Circle, and am glad I did. I'm basically working the same job I had when I was 16, which is in some ways depressing but in other ways, really brings me back to my roots. My friend Joe, who has in fact been working that same job since he was 16, is one of the happiest people I know. He may not be rich, but you know what, he's happily married and fills his time with things he likes to do and people he likes to be around, which is easier because he only works 4 days a week.
Anyway.
The real reason I'm glad to be working in University Circle is that despite how I've raved about downtown, there was something that really bothered me about downtown that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
And then I did: suits.
I don't like being around people in suits. Every time I see someone wearing one, the fuzzy bunny suit episode from A Christmas Story comes to mind:
"Are you happy wearing that thing?"
[emphatically shakes head no]
"Do you want to take it off?"
[emphatically nods]
"All right, then, get out of here...."
The truth is that I much prefer being around people schlepping backpacks, people wearing jeans at their desks, and jobs where you might get a little grubby (books are really filthy things, let me tell you.)
I need to find a way to make this permanent....
I had two job interviews last month, one downtown and the other in UC. I got the one in University Circle, and am glad I did. I'm basically working the same job I had when I was 16, which is in some ways depressing but in other ways, really brings me back to my roots. My friend Joe, who has in fact been working that same job since he was 16, is one of the happiest people I know. He may not be rich, but you know what, he's happily married and fills his time with things he likes to do and people he likes to be around, which is easier because he only works 4 days a week.
Anyway.
The real reason I'm glad to be working in University Circle is that despite how I've raved about downtown, there was something that really bothered me about downtown that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
And then I did: suits.
I don't like being around people in suits. Every time I see someone wearing one, the fuzzy bunny suit episode from A Christmas Story comes to mind:
"Are you happy wearing that thing?"
[emphatically shakes head no]
"Do you want to take it off?"
[emphatically nods]
"All right, then, get out of here...."
The truth is that I much prefer being around people schlepping backpacks, people wearing jeans at their desks, and jobs where you might get a little grubby (books are really filthy things, let me tell you.)
I need to find a way to make this permanent....
posted by Christine at 5:57 PM
7 Comments:
Congrats... working in University Circle is great! (I'm a librarian working for Case).
Luckily, there aren't many jobs left where you have to wear a suit. Don't most businesses have a dress casual work environment these days?
With our economy, the majority of people you're seeing in suits are probably going on interviews.
Congrats on the new job.
Suits aren't so bad...when they are mandated, they are though.
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This post has been removed by the author.
Congratulations, for your new job in University Circle. I love that area but not as much as downtown because of the suits, or lack there of. I wish there were more people wearing suits and for the women, suits as well or at least a nice outfit that looks professional. I feel like workers are lacking professionalism in work attire. No flip flops, please.
I used to work in Akron, and I was the best dressed because I hardly wore jeans. I enjoy dressing up because I think there is a sense of respect. And, if Cleveland wants to compete with the Chicago's of the world, wear the suit and be happy about wearing it.
I think Derek said it best - suits are best when they're not mandated.
Chanakas, I agree with you about the flip-flops, but that probably has more to do with my general disgust with women's footwear.... I also think there's a big middleground between slob and suit. It's possible to look professional and respectable without wearing a suit. Talking about this with my husband last night, we realized that of the employers we've worked for, employees were happiest (and most loyal!) where there was a casual dress code. We can disagree, but I personally feel that as more high tech jobs move into the city - and I'm all for that - I think there will be fewer suits, not more.
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