Showerthought: My grubby outfit almost ruined a chance to chat about sweeps at a picnic

I always thought showing up in sooty clothes to casual events made me look dedicated to the job. Then at a park picnic, someone I didn't know well asked if I'd been rolling in ashes, which got a few laughs but felt super awkward. They mentioned their cousin needed a chimney check, but kinda trailed off, like maybe I wasn't the person to ask. That silly moment made me realize people might not take me seriously if I look like I just finished a messy cleanout. Now, I throw on a clean hoodie before popping into social gatherings, and it's weird how much friendlier folks are. Last weekend, at a fundraiser, I ended up explaining bird nesting issues to a group, and two of them asked for my card. Totally changed my view on dressing a bit nicer off the clock.

3 comments

3 Comments

thomas1151mo ago

I started keeping a spare shirt in my truck after a coffee shop meetup.

wendy_green851mo ago

Keeping a spare shirt seemed silly to me before. Your coffee shop story totally flipped that view. I had a close call with a soda last week that could have ruined my day. Now I see the wisdom in having a backup plan. Might just start doing the same thing.

the_olivia1mo ago

My friend spilled coffee on his only white shirt.