Appearance

I looked into the mirror and pondered over my reflection. Is there something I should change?

People keep asking if I am, or assuming that I am, still a student. What part of "Working Professional" am I missing here?

Of course, I dress down during weekends and do not wear cosmetics (or even moisturisers) unless there is a reason for it. Most of the time, I think, "Why?". That's also the answer I give when my mum stops me just as I am walking towards the door, asking me to put on some lipstick... or a nicer shirt.

Once, while buying some newspapers with my mother near her place, I was asked if I had finished schooling yet by the matronly shopkeeper. My mother heard and asked that women how old did she think I was. She made a few guesses in the teenage range, and my mum jokingly suggested that I should give her a treat for being so flattering. The shopkeeper gasped, "You mean, you are over 20?". Oh, for crying out loud! Are you kidding me?

The housing agent representing my former landlord probably made similar assumptions too. After passing the keys back to him and discussing when my deposits can be refunded, he asked me on the way out, "So, where are you from?". The answer to that was followed by another question, "So, are you studying?". I smiled politely and said that I am already working, wondering if I had to show my business card to convince him. He seemed a bit puzzled and did a calculative but discreet "once-over" of me from head to toe. Yeah, high school drop-outs working in department stores wouldn't be able to afford staying here, especially without any housemates to share the rent with.

I also recall that someone I met on tour recently appeared visibly surprised that I was older than he was.

People who have been curious enough to voice out their thoughts have made me realise how I am perceived. There are benefits and drawbacks involved. For example, I can plead with all angelic innocence and appeal for my traffic fine to be reduced. However, I shall have to slap on those cosmetics and hair products the beauty industry spends so much money advertising, and get those powersuits and knock-them-dead heels when I require negotiation power and to be taken seriously.

I take a little of the last comment back. If I so much as raise my voice a little at my trainees (don't get me wrong, this happens once in a blue moon, and only with shocked discoveries of their errors when I am stressed), even my colleagues around me gets a little jolt to attention because it varies quite a lot from my usual easy-going manner. I always remind myself not to lose my cool and remain nice even when I am stressed or upset. I know my trainees and colleagues have due respect for me, and it is just excessive to make them fear me. I guess it just depends on how well one knows me. For strangers, I probably need to give them more cues that I am not a pushover with the necessary armour (otherwise known as fashion and accessories).