Determination

Part of my determination stems from the fact that I not only want, but want to enjoy, my life outside of work. I want to race motorcycles, and in order to be competitive, I need tracktime. My current work situation doesn't allow for both - time or money-wise. Add in everything I've been talking about, and I need to find a job that I can really get behind - something that puts my goals in forefront while bringing something else to a company. That, however, also requires the money - because while work is where we spend the majority of our lives, it's not my passion. Being focused on my own goals is making it a lot easier to make these choices though.

After spending a fair bit of time researching the jobs I want to apply to, right down to the nitty gritty details of what to wear to work, I realized I was not dressing for success. Okay, I'm a little fat right now - and although I've been wearing my suits and such to work, they don't quite fit like they should - 5-10 pounds lighter and they'd be great, but right now, they're a bit snug...they're also starting to look a little bit worn since I've been wearing them 5 (or more) days a week for almost 1 1/2 years. So I bit the bullet and made the decision to skip this next race round (it would have been tight, but I maybe could have squeezed it out of my budget) and instead invest in some clothes that I can wear and actually look like I could roll into the positions I want.

Surprisingly, this decision was easier than expected. Missing racing has never really been an option, at least not in exchange for clothes! But, I want this change, and I'm going to make it happen, but it won't happen if I can't present that side to the people who I want to hire me. If I look like I work at a low level position, why in the world would they even consider me? I also decided to break down and rent a car for my future interviews until I get a drive-able car myself - showing up toting all my motorcycle gear simply doesn't work :/ It's one thing once you're working someplace, but that first impression is just off - that first look and I can't appear put together when I'm toting two arms full of gear and a backpack.

The shopping bit kinda sucked, but was kinda nice, too. I found a couple stores in particular that had stuff that looked presentable, fit well, and was reasonable. I now have an outfit that I can modify a couple different ways, and can get me through those first few weeks at a new job until I can afford to buy a more comprehensive work wardrobe. I also grabbed a few items for when I'm not at work - while this may be far less important, let's face it, you never know who may see you where, and I don't want to look like a frumpy mess just because it's my day off....relaxed, sure, but trendy and well fitting can go a long ways.

A few other minor touches and my interview attire is all set! Now all I need to do is land the interview that job that I really, really want! Oh, and then land the job lol!