You don’t know unless you give it a go.  “Just try to get anything,” they say … Yea right – easier said than done . . .

The usual stress and anxiety that comes with going to a job interview is overwhelming at the best of times – but when your family is relying on you to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and cough up for those “gotta have”concert tickets.., AND you are a middle-aged PLUS-SIZE female – Just getting an interview is quite an achievement.  Overthinking it might just be the problem?

For the past 5 years, since being made redundant I have been looking for full-time work – I have had several wonderful temp jobs but for whatever reason I haven’t nailed a permanent position -the job market is certainly not what it used to be, and it seems that the tail end of the Baby Boomers have reached their use-by date.

The stress of what to wear?

Anyway, the Agency gives me their usual limited brief, which basically means –“just what they tell you to do”. My appointment is 10 am in an industrial estate in the dodgy area of town, therefore I am thinking that it will be mostly men….dressed in my usual reliable black long pants and tunic top and throw on a bright scarf and put on matching lippy. I leave early in case I need to park the car some distance away from the office. (takes ages to waddle any distance, but mainly because my feet hurt in my corporate as possible pumps)  so I am hoping that my toenails haven’t had a growth spurt overnight and don’t start stabbing one of their neighborly chipolatas as I walk. Bloody Feet!

Have I worn the right outfit – oh dear, I think I may have overcompensated with bright pink lipstick. (Lick my teeth…mustn’t forget)!

The receptionist.

You know the ones!  Yes, one of those special ones that is probably be more suited to a job out the back where their people skills could be enhanced… She asks my details knowing full well I’m expected – forgets to listen to what I say and asks me again – just so I know who I am. She tells me that the manager is running late and to take a seat.

Oh dear – the anxiety is starting earlier than usual. I quickly scan the room and another one of my fears come into play…. All the chairs have arms…will I fit or will I get stuck if I sit down? I tell her I am happy to stand, hoping it won’t be too long…as there is a war going on in my dull and Mummsie shoes – bloodshed for sure. (Yes, this has happened!)
After what seems an eternity, Shanna comes over and takes me to the boardroom. I know her name is Shanna, as I heard her answering two urgent incoming calls, one from her mother reminding her that her parking fines are due today, and another from a friend who is at home sick and doesn’t have anything to do as her internet is down. (Bless)

The interview.

I am not even going to mention the boardroom chairs, as you know what I am going to say. I perch myself on the edge of the chair, making sure I don’t sit too far back so as not to wedge myself in. Fortunately the fabric of my pants is similar to velcro, so slipping is not a problem. At last, Gen Y boss arrives, clicking his way into the room with his extra-long toed shoes, looking all new with a precisely clipped hair that any landscape gardener would be proud of. (Who would have thought hedge cutting would be turned into a manscaping art form). He looks at me kindly – I imagine this is how he would look at his distant grandmother. I hope he is not noticing my precarious position perched on the chair, my buttocks are holding on for dear life. (Maybe I am relying on the Velcro a little too much?)

Jarrod lets me know that his colleague will join them in a minute. Offering me water, I decline as I’m not wanting to mess up my lippy. OMG, in walks a mature PLUS SIZE women…who I quickly decide is larger than me. What a relief… I can’t tell you how fantastic that is…and she hasn’t even got lipstick on…! I almost burst into tears… a company that employs BIG people. IT’S – A REVELATION… PS people can be overweight and retain a brain…and be old, and even more amazing is that they can exist on a half hour lunch break and provide the same output as a normal person. (I’m going to contact A Current Affair to do a story … it truly is remarkable!).

Its time to be more positive!

Cutting a long story short, I got the temp job and gained a PS friend. All the men in the office didn’t even seem to notice my size, what I wore, or even my lipstick. I think I could have worn my Mickey Mouse PJ’s and they wouldn’t have noticed… Everyone was really lovely, kind and caring and to top it all off the big boss always said good morning, and thank you in the afternoon. Again, my brain had caused me a dreadful amount of grief… I had allowed myself to get caught up in all sorts of thoughts, doubt and self-loathing… Luckily I didn’t give up by calling and cancelling the appointment due to my mother’s illness (liar, liar pants on fire, she had passed away 6mths earlier), otherwise, I would have missed this great opportunity.

I am not going to pretend that there aren’t offices where I would have been right on the money being fat prejudice but most don’t care, as long as you do your job well and fit in with the team.

Note: Please don’t think this applies to positions like Gold Coast
Meter Maids, Malibu promo girls or Football Cheer Squad, we
still need to use our common sense.

Be brave ladies, breath deeply and give it a go! Take a chance with the job market. We all have something to offer, it’s about our attitude, how we approach and handle the difficult moments. Life is a challenge, but every shape, size and age has them…it’s up to you to wrangle your brain. Take charge, be determined and make your brain be kind to you every day… It might only be the way you think holding you back from something wonderful and exciting… you never know until you try… !

Big Lady Hugs..If you have any interview tips as a Plus Size person, we would love you to share.

LOVE the PLUS size YOU…

Share your experiences in the comments section below…