Company Xmas get together

[ccga3359]

I know I have seen roofers in UKs.

This would be a safety violation because no one would volunteer to hold their ladders!

[O'Callaghan]

That is interesting, granted it is not my kind of kilt but I was under the impression that UKs were big with construction, manual trade individuals.
I know I have seen roofers in UKs.

I have seen at least one construction worker in a utilikilt, but can't imagine wanting to wear a kilt on a roof.

[Tobus]

That is interesting, granted it is not my kind of kilt but I was under the impression that UKs were big with construction, manual trade individuals.
I know I have seen roofers in UKs.

Well, not to hijack the thread, but this is heavy commercial construction (concrete formwork), and it's Texas. Heavy Hispanic influence, as well as a lot of "good old boy" mentality.

Many of them do know that I wear a kilt. A couple have teased me, although most are polite enough not to say anything. Being that I'm the head engineer for my region, and need to maintain a somewhat authoritative relationship, I prefer to keep my self-presentation fairly professional for my position. Which is to say, wearing the kilt at a party where many of them will be drinking (and getting drunk), I'd rather avoid any potential for problems in our professional relationship. It's a matter of choosing not to let my personal flair for kilt-wearing affect my professional career.

[seanachie]

I have seen at least one construction worker in a utilikilt, but can't imagine wanting to wear a kilt on a roof.

That is why it caught my attention, they were on a steeped pitch roof banging a way. I thought it strange as well. Of course they were not the kind of guys I was thinking of making jokes about out loud either, rather large guys.

[Frank McGrath]

I have worn kilts to Christmas parties for the last 5 years. 3 with the current employer.
I am not sure that I want to wear my kilt again this year. A few people made off color comments about it and I just don't want to go thru that again. Jos. A Banks is having a great sale on suits this weekend. 3 for the price of 1. That will make up my mind. Or if my wife says wear the kilt. And my mood on Friday afternoon before the party. Maybe........

[azwildcat96]

...but this is heavy commercial construction (concrete formwork), and it's Texas. Heavy Hispanic influence, as well as a lot of "good old boy" mentality.

I do understand that...I'm currently building a bridge over the US-54 highway North of El Paso, Texas in New Mexico. I would never think of wearing a kilt on the jobsite...but a company Christmas party, a definite maybe.

[GaRebel211]

I too am in construction..(cushy desk job as an estimator), Wore my kilt last year to the Christmas party, nothing but postive. I have been asked by a lot of people in my company if I will wear one again this year...planning on it.
I would say overall it depends on your company.

[Really a McQueen]

Well, not to hijack the thread, but this is heavy commercial construction (concrete formwork), and it's Texas. ...

Being that I'm the head engineer for my region, and need to maintain a somewhat authoritative relationship, I prefer to keep my self-presentation fairly professional for my position. ... It's a matter of choosing not to let my personal flair for kilt-wearing affect my professional career.

So that explains the starched, white shirt, tie, slacks and clean hard hat when on a work site.

[auld argonian]

There's a funny dynamic that seems to happen when you wear a kilt to an event. There's a brief period of surprise among the non-kilted, a few comments, a few jokes...it's probable that at least one person will "get an attitude" about it (as in, "who'd does he think he is?" or "look who's trying to get some attention.").

Thing is that as long as you act rather normally, answer the inevitable questions briefly and politely and keep a good sense of humor about it, the novelty wears off pretty quickly and things go back to normal.

...and you will have people asking if you're going to wear the kilt to the next one. They will insist that you do.

Best

AA

[Tobus]

So that explains the starched, white shirt, tie, slacks and clean hard hat when on a work site.

Yup! Plus the clipboard, unscuffed work boots, pristine safety glasses, and lack of suntan!

It's sometimes difficult being an "office guy" around a bunch of construction workers. I get enough teasing already for being a "college boy" and a desk jockey. Put me in a kilt around these same guys, and it would be intolerable! They already have a thinly-veiled dislike of men who don't have thick calluses on their hands (my only callus is from my mouse pad, lol), and they think I'm an odd duck for choosing to wear a tie to work. I've been told, and I quote, "you're the most dress-uppingest ****er for a concrete man!" But I am an engineer first and foremost.

Back to the subject, I may yet one of these days wear a kilt to a company party. But I'm sort of easing my way into it, gauging reactions from people who happen to see random pictures of me wearing it.