I must be glowing or something because I’m hearing with more frequency how pretty I am. Well, sunshine has something to do with that after weeks in a gray zone, but what the heck has pretty ever done for anyone?!! A lot, I know…
Okay, I won’t pretend like there are no advantages to being attractive, BUT I’m hearing the pretty commentary while I am looking for a job. In some instances, pretty can work against you if you’re being interviewed by an insecure person. My neighbor said I should have no trouble finding a new gig. Why? Because I’m pretty. Thanks, neighbor. If only it were that simple, but maybe it is. I downplay the pretty in interviews and go for full out conservative. If people are still seeing pretty, what is the point of downplaying it? Maybe playing it up will in fact land me my dream job.
This may all seem very shallow, but I’m for real. I don’t want to underutilize pretty and 20 years from now wish I hadn’t. I never thought much in life was based on looks having been taught that what mattered most is what is in my head (which my mom chose to tell me today is not true, she now chooses to add that one’s appearance counts for a lot–thanks Mom). I have an excellently brilliant head on my shoulders. I can think my way out of a maze blindfolded, but when folks get stuck on the pretty, they never get to what’s in my head. They just make the shallow assumptions that are connected to outer beauty. All of this is rather amusing as I was never brought up to believe that I looked like anything special. I was always taught that I was beautiful because of my inside, so I had very good self-esteem although I was also drawn to mirrors and still am.
This is all very perplexing to me at times. I like the anonymity of the internet in my job searches, and if people like what they see when they meet me, then that’s a plus–shouldn’t be a requirement unless my image is what’s pimpin.
I’m talking in circles and have no definitive conclusion here. The bottom line is that I want to make a career move. IF that move requires me to capitalize on my looks, so be it. If it requires me to rely on my brain, I’ve got that covered too. When the spirit moves, I’ll move–just like that.