[helenp]

Hi,

I am about to start a new job as s secretary in a medium sized firm.

Is is Ok to take off my shoes in work and just go in my stockinged feet, - should I ask first?

I am used to doing this in my current job, and hate the idea of wearing formal shoes all day!

Any advice would be much appreicaiated.

Helen.

[Clough]

I think that if you need to look professional in your job, then you need to keep your shoes on. If it were to be the kind of job where not having your shoes on in the course of doing your work would not be frowned upon by other employees or clients then it would be OK not to wear your shoes.

I think that you need to ask the management first before deciding on what to do, since you have asked here if you should ask first.

[peggyhill]

I second that. See what the other people in the office do also. If the boss does it, then you can ask knowing that it is probably OK. Try to find some comfortable yet professional looking shoes. Flats are back in style right now, which is great for people like me who hate to wear heels all day. Also check out the pads you can put in your shoes to make them more comfortable. They make them for dress shoes, even sandals.

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, in many firms this would be a suicide in your carrerr. Many companies expect a higher level of dress.

[twinkiedooter]

Keep the shoes on your feet. This is a health hazard as well as bad manners if you take them off. This is not your livingroom, this is a workplace and should be treated as such. Just because your present job allows you to do this, don't do it at a new job. I personally do not like it and think it is gross and extremely unprofessional.

[biggsie]

I think you want to make a good impression on the people at your new job

Make a good impression -- find comfortable shoes -- keep your shoes on

Hi,

I am about to start a new job as s secretary in a medium sized firm.

Is is Ok to take off my shoes in work and just go in my stockinged feet, - should I ask first?

I am used to doing this in my current job, and hate the idea of wearing formal shoes all day!!

Any advice would be much appreicaiated.

Helen.

:(

[ebaines]

I agree with the previous posters. One thing to add is that as a young (I assume) female you should be very careful about dress at work, because it's one area where if you do it wrong few people (if any) will tell you. With most issues at work if you mess up people will let you know - hopefully in a well-meaning and helpful way. But with clothing, especially women's clothing, few people will tell you of your errors, because they don't want to seem insulting, and for men because they can be either embarrassed to bring it up or afraid that it may seem like harassment. So my advice is play it conservative until you become more aware of the expectations around the office. No one ever got fired or passed over for a raise because she kept her shoes on!

[spitvenom]

I work for a small company and one person walks around with their shoes off all the time and it DRIVES ME INSANE!! Keep your shoes on Have respect for your Co Workers.