I remember the most exciting thing about starting my career when I was in my early 20s (aka 1998) was going shopping for nice clothes. I finally had a reason to wear nice business suits, and could shop at nice stores like FILENES, Macy's and Express, etc. Sometime later, the office environments allowed jeans on Friday as long as you dressed them up with nice shoes and shirts. I once got a best dressed certificate at a company party. I used to separate my work clothes, gym clothes, and party clothes. These days, the office environments, especially in call centers, have become so lax that everyone dresses in gym clothes or goth concert clothes and a lot of young employees don't even bother showering. I recently found out some people go down stairs to do a quick workout in the employee gym, and don't even shower after they exercise. I'm 44 and I'm so turned off by it all. I feel like we've given up on office professionalism. I had made a decision to live a healthy life, to work hard and dress sharp to impress but for some reason, younger generations aren't following this lead. I wonder where the laziness is coming ....it's a problem with everyone. Men are doing it too. My last employer was full of younger people who turned the office into a college setting. It was an open office concept so I heard and saw everything and it wasn't pretty. Aside the fact that management always buys junk food as an incentive on Fridays (pizza days don't count ha ha)....they decided to do a fun day once a month. I thought it was voluntary - but it turns out you'd get docked points on your final review if you didn't participate in things like PAJAMA Day. I'm sorry but ....when did wearing your pajama to work day make it to the job description? Am I the only one that feels this way? The worst part was the alcohol. Management served booze once and then it became a thing - every month. At first, started at 4 and we were allowed one drink. And then as time moved on, they started serving around noon and I know for a fact that some people would keep drinking during the day -some had as much as four or five. I spent three years working in sports journalism and I thought sports journalist dressed more professionally - and didn't drink at all until after the games. I digress. I had to quit my last job because the lack of professionalism was unacceptable. I'm a little nervous to get back out there because I feel like I now have to be stern with my expectations. I do not want to be around alcohol during the work day - not until I walk out of the office. I'm also finding myself turn down jobs because of a 'laid back' environment as I fear it'll turn into a sloppy environment. I'm all for pizza and ice cream days and casual dress days - but am I wrong for looking to work in a more professionally conservative office? How do I talk about my previous job without sounding mean or unprofessional?