Where do you work?

[Retro Red]

So, you like stories of kilts at work? Aye, lads & lasses, then gather 'round, I've got a fine tale to tell...

I'm a Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst for one of the major charge/credit card companies. Yep, that means I work in a padded cell, I mean, cubicle. The company keeps us isolated in our cube farms, so the only people who see me at work are my fellow geeks. For the purpose of my tale, it would also help to mention that I live & work in Phoenix, Arizona - not quite Hell, but you can see it from here & definitely feel its heat!!!

Anyway, my initial foray into wearing a kilt to work was 3 summers ago when, after allowing us to wear shorts to work for, like, 7 years or so, it was suddenly decreed, "No more shorts!" And to add insult to injury, they made this pronouncement in July, when it's so hot here that even cacti wilt. Of course, women, besides being allowed to wear pants or skirts, could still wear Capri pants (which aren't much longer than baggy men's shorts). So, I checked the company dress code & the section on skirts was gender-neutral. A-ha, my Scottish heritage kicked in at this point. Mind you, this is a company that takes every opportunity to tote how much they support diversity & equality. Right, then, so I wore an original Utilikilt to work - the reaction? My Director was livid! She thought I was trying to embarrass her. She sent me home to change into pants, plus the time taken to change clothes was taken from my vacation time! Well, my clan's slogan is, "Garg'n Uair Dhuisgear - Fierce when roused!!!" & I was was definitely "roused."

After presenting my case to the Omsbudperson, Human Resources, & the head of the Diversity Council, a decree came down from on high - the company does not consider kilts to be "proper" business attire (yeah, don't even get me started on that one), therefore, I may not wear them Monday through Thursday. However, I am allowed to wear kilts on Casual-Wear Fridays and (I love this part) Celtic holidays. Oh, & my vaction time was restored, my Director was reprimanded & had to apologize to me. As the saying goes, "Revenge is a dish best served cold!"

So, I've been wearing them to work on Friday & Celtic holidays for about 3 years now & during that time, the company's stock has gone up, they've posted record profits & increased market share. I like to think it's all due to my kilt! Just think what would happen if they let me wear a kilt all the time? :rolleyes:
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