Dressing for the job
Starting a new job can be very daunting but a new wardrobe is always a great way to build your confidence. Thanks to the fantastic collection of men’s fashion at Albany Mega Centre I’m now looking forward to my first day.
It’s been a tough couple of years at work. It’s a job I used to love that has gradually lost its appeal. First, there was the COVID-inspired redundancies, creating an environment of uncertainty and insecurity. This was followed by pay-cuts that have not been fully restored, despite prices at the supermarket and petrol station rising so much. In the last year, the volumes of work have picked up without more staff joining, creating a busy and stressful environment. Even working from home – which for a while felt exciting – has added to me feeling disconnect from my employer.
With all the media talk about ‘the great resignation’ I knew it was time to look for something else. Initially, the plan was to move to a role similar but I quickly saw many opportunities to step up. The first few interviews were hard but I soon felt that I had plenty of experience and skills to offer.
A month ago, I got a great offer. It’s in the same industry but with a much bigger player. More importantly, it’s a step up into management and of course, more responsibilities means more pay. I accepted it and resigned the next day.
I was feeling a bit nervous about starting the new job on Monday. My girlfriend convinced me that what I needed was a new wardrobe to look the management part. She thinks a new wardrobe signals a new start and that will help me feel more confident about taking the step up.
So we came together to Albany Mega Centre for a bit of a shopping spree. She said, “You need to start with a good versatile suit which can be mixed and matched to create different outfits,” so the obvious first stop was Hallenstein Brothers. And what a great selection of colours and fabrics they had. In the end, we went for a black slim-fit suit as it offered the most versatility. I noticed a number of sale items so I also purchased a crisp white business shirt and a very stylish leather belt.
Next stop, Cotton On. From here, I bought three high-quality cotton t-shirts – one in light blue, another in black and the third in white. Under my suit, they’ll give me that ‘Miami Vice’ retro-look that’s back in now and they’ll also look excellent with jeans.
Just a short walk further up the walkway around Albany Mega Centre, we stopped at EziBuy. There were so many great options here that it was hard to narrow it down. I loved their polo shirts and I chose both a white and pink option. They also had a fine selection of dress shirts. I grabbed a blue-check shirt and another with a subtle floral pattern.
Our final stop was at North Beach, always one of my favourite places to shop. First stop was at the denim stand. I’m looking for dark and dressy jeans and find a great pair of Dickies. Next I check out the shoes, and see a chunky pair made of black leather. They’ll go well with a suit but can also be worn more casually. The final thing I need is some outerwear like a coat or a jacket. There’s a huge selection from padded rainwear to jean casual wear. I go for a smart-looking canvas jacket in black. Again it offers that versatility to wear to work but also for going out after work.
As we head home to our Albany Heights flat, I feel really good about all my new purchases. I’m thinking about all the combinations possible, as I try to decide what to wear on my first day. I suddenly realise that I’ve become very excited about starting my new job. Thank you Albany Mega Centre for the great new fashion wardrobe and for the confidence to start something new.