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Starting a New Position - To Hat or Not to Hat?

Alive'n'Amplified

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,032
Location
Atlanta, GA
After 11 years at Georgia Home Theater I'm moving on with another company, leaving on very good terms. I'm curious whether to wear a hat for my first day tomorrow with the new company or to wait a few days and settle in. I wore my hats almost every day to GHT. When I got in, I removed my hat and it sat on my desk until I had to leave for lunch or head out for a customer appointment. They're great sales props; many of my customers commented on them and it gave us something personal to talk about. It also established presence and identity; it helped them remember who I was.

I wore a hat to my first and second interview and removed it as soon as I sat down. Nothing was said about it; I simply wore it as I usually do. But this is my first day with the entire staff. I'm confident enough to wear a hat, but is it too soon?

What do you think?
 

Preacher Man

A-List Customer
Messages
327
Location
South Central Kentucky, USA
I'll have to agree with casechopper. You wore your hat to both of your interviews, you got the job, keep on wearing those hats. You're right, a hat does establish your presence and your identity. When I dare go out bare headed, I'm always asked, "Johnny where's your hat?" Then they'll say, "You don't look like yourself!" So wear your hat, and keep on wearing your hat. Be you.
 

splintercellsz

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,142
Location
Somewhere in Time
Go for it. A hat is an item used to protect ones self from the elements, whether is be sun, snow, rain, sleet, etc. Wear it, and if they say something, who knows, they may enjoy your hat, and you may be able to introduce others to the world of hats!
 

Alive'n'Amplified

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,032
Location
Atlanta, GA
Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I felt confident enough to wear it to the interviews, so I will continue that confidence in to the lobby!

Everyone loved seeing my hats at GHT. They were even gracious enough to let me ship new hats there, always curious when the next one was coming. :) I will definitely miss the casual environment. But I'm looking forward to the more formal attire at the new place.
 

-30-

A-List Customer
Messages
443
Location
TORONTO, CANADA
It would appear that both you & the hat (Fedora) have been accepted by Management; never wear a TOP HAT, and just wait awhile before donning a Homburg.
(LOL)


Regards,
-30-
 

-30-

A-List Customer
Messages
443
Location
TORONTO, CANADA
"I agree! The homburg would definitely be waaaay too soon."
QUOTE: Alive'n'Amplified.

Seeing that I am no longer gainfully employed, (Industrial steam - fitting/operation, retired.) a Homburg is now The Prize for Sunday, Go to Antique Show.

It would be a bit of a laugh though to be seen servicing steam traps/threading pipe whilst wearing a Homburg.
(LOL)


Regards,
-30-
 

scottyrocks

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,178
Location
Isle of Langerhan, NY
The last interview I went on was in 1992, and I wore my facial and head hair long and earrings in, and got the job. Now it's 20 years later, the head and facial hair are gone, but the earrings are still there, and I'm still there, as well.

Different is often not a bad thing. Wear your hats proudly.
 

Stanley Doble

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,808
Location
Cobourg
I find this conversation fascinating. What kind of bullshit job should you be scared to wear a hat to? I have to assume you have enough common sense to wear an ordinary hat not a Mexican Fiesta Sombrero or something stupid like that. Why wouldn't you wear a hat to work?
 

Historyteach24

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,447
Location
Huntington, WV
I was thinking about the same thing. I will be changing schools after this year and was curious when to bust out the hats on a new set of kids and co-workers. Since school starts in August I can start with simple panamas then when winter hits they will be ready for my awesome felts! lol
 

Stanley Doble

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,808
Location
Cobourg
To my mind the time to wear a hat (or cap) is when you go outdoors. When you come back inside take it off. The only time to go outside without a hat is when you want to catch cold. This seems normal to me. Why would you be scared to wear a hat to work? What do you think they will do to you?
 

g.durand

One Too Many
Messages
1,896
Location
Down on the Bayou
Here's something that has been going on at work with me for awhile. My boss is pretty conservative--khakis and a dress shirt for him every day, no headwear. He has skin cancer, so if he goes out for lunch and has to walk far he may wear a baseball cap. He doesn't even wear a jacket or coat in winter (fairly mild winters here in coastal Northern California, but it does get chilly). I know how hats get attention--a lot of the women I work with see me out on the street and almost every time I get a nice comment. I'm careful not to show him up so I take my hats off as soon as I'm in the building, and he never sees me with a hat on. He sees the hats in my office, though.

I've been working here three years. The other day he came into my office and asked me where he could buy a hat. I gave him the complete rundown. Yesterday he stopped by to tell me what he had just bought.

--Changing the world. One hat at a time.
 
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