I used to have a job that had a horrific, horrific commute (1+ hrs in heavy traffic) and around 3 months in, I started working out right after my day was done. I stopped going right after work, but I did not stop saying that I was going straight to the gym simply so that I change my clothes before leaving.
You would be SHOCKED how much less draining a commute (especially a long one) is when you’re not wearing a tight skirt, a scratchy blouse, or a Real Bra. Even more than the commute though, being as comfortable as possible as soon as possible made me feel like my work day was truly over the second I left the office. It also made it so much easier to pop in a quick errand on the way home because it’s so much easier to lug groceries into your car and then your apartment when you’re wearing sneakers instead of heels.
All of this to say— pack a “gym outfit” in your bag and take 3 minutes to change before getting in your car and I PROMISE you will feel the weight of corporate life lift off of your shoulders so much sooner.
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Just wondering, are you changing in the bathroom stalls?
My old work had locker rooms so it was easy to change in, but my new office pretty much just has stalls in the bathroom that are frequently used. I have used the handicap stall to change in a couple times
Welp I thought this was a post by a guy until you got to blouse and bra so that’s my fault, but made me go ‘wtf’ for a second
Why do you own clothes that are not comfortable? Even office clothes, buy comfortable sizes and materials and you will never have this problem
We need to stop dressing like bums.
I’d be shocked to ever experience what it is like to be wearing a skirt, bra, or blouse at any given moment, much less suddenly and unexpectedly during my commute.
Honestly I don’t work in a corporate environment but I do the same thing in the summer especially! A tshirt, shorts, and fresh shoes really is such a relief after a full work day
I work outside and keep an extra pair of socks in my bag for the ride home. Makes it so much better having dry and comfy feet
Even just switching socks and shoes before I leave does wonders for my mood.
I’ll bring shorts to change after work, as a guy, and damn the difference is amazing! Going from khakis or other work pants to cozy cotton shorts is the best
I just skip the bra.. for I am a dude..
Also habit stacking. Great way to not have any excuses to not hit the gym otw home
I work in healthcare, started changing into “work” clothes at work during COVID to avoid brining anything home on clothing and have just kept doing it.
The summer in particular is great, changing into a light t-shirt and shorts rather than a shirt and trousers 👍🏻
Added bonus- much lower chance of being roped into “just a quick chat” as it’s a bit more clear that you’re off.
I think this just means you have uncomfortable clothes.
Not that that’s uncommon. Growing up I always only had cheap suits, and I thought dressing well was supposed to feel terrible. Then I got myself a custom suit as a gift to myself and it feels like I’m wearing pajamas all day. I couldn’t believe how comfortable it was. High quality materials tailored to fit just makes life so enjoyable, I’d rather wear a full suit now than almost anything else in my closet because it’s the only custom thing I have.
Related advice: Get a pair of slippers as “Car Shoes”.
I have a pair of slippers that I only wear to walk from my house to my car and then to drive to/from work in. Total game changer.
My job requires I’m on my feet and very active for 10-16hrs a day. There is no greater feeling than swapping into my slippers for the drive home.
My car shoes and listening to podcasts (instead of music) on my commute has significantly quelled my road rage.
Its a short commute here, it’s cold where I live. This isn’t as universal as you think it is. This is highly specific to your environment and tmep… though heels I could see being an issue/thing. But also most folks won’t wear heels in colder temp or have an office pair already
It’s -2 C as the cold point at +6 C high today
Right now I am lucky enough to work from home, so my work attire is pajamas most days! But when I did work in the office this was always a good thing to do. It helped me relax and get out of the work day mindset when going home, so I would be ready for home stuff when I got there and didn’t need to “decompress.”
If you also throw on a gold chain and some gel in your hair then people will think you’re a wiseguy and leave you alone
I work in the trades and often have long drives to different job site. You better believe I change out of my safety tow boots before the drive
I change in to and out of my suit in my office.. every time I work.
As a person who supports others attaining work/life balance, this is incredible.
Separation from work absolutely should include a change of costume even when one works from home – I had not considered this from a commuter perspective.
I do this and it makes me so much more relaxed for my commute to my workout studio! And exactly like you said, I feel much more ready to be on-the-go afterwards versus if I was wearing uncomfy dress pants and sweaty mules. Lol
Hmm good thing I don’t wear tight skirts or bras
Don’t want to do the awkward wait for the handicap stall and don’t step on the floor routine
This is a good example of how unpleasant women’s professional wear is.
I dress business-casual to work every day (button down, slacks, fashion oriented boots). That outfit is more comfortable for me to drive or sit in than what I wear to work out.
Good advice thank you. I work out after work but I change at the gym. I’m going to try it this way.
After Rona I just started wearing more comfortable clothes to work and never looked back. My average office outfit is a tee and comfortable pants. When I wear shirts with button they’re comfortable ones and my dress shoes are only used for formal events.
I get some people like dressing up, but if your clothes are clean and neat you’ve done the hard part. All you have to do is buy clothes that are comfortable. You’re not gonna look as hot, but who cares, you’re not paid to look good, you’re paid to do your job*. For millions of people being uncomfortable at work is a choice. If I’mma dress to the 9s, it’s gonna be when I go out, not when I punch a clock.
*Some people are paid to look good, and uncomfortable clothing is part of the deal when you work certain jobs (especially for women). But, for most people, you’re doing it to yourself. Just stop caring about appearance above all and you’ll be so much happier. Look your best on your own time.
I do this! Started because I have a 9 month old that needs my attention right away. Would rather change on company time than my babes.
i do go to gym afterwork and change into my gym clothes prior to leaving
i at least get to wear scrubs to work, but feels good to change into a pair of sweats, like the work burden is lifted off of you
I used to do this on summers on my previous job): I changed to shorts and a light tshirt before leaving the office. Under +35° C and high humidity, it was a lifesaver.
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I was wondering why this would be so beneficial… Then I remembered that I wear jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers to work.
I change into gym clothes as soon as I get home. I don’t want to spend one second longer than I absolutely have to at work.
Using outdoor slippers on long road trips was a game changer.
Where are you changing at work…?
I would rather be uncomfortable than get mostly naked changing in an office bathroom.
I used to have a dress up job years ago and I would strip down to a tank top on the way out to my car in the summer and then switch to flip flops for the drive home.
Joke is on you, I’m always working in gym clothes.
I have a pretty typical office dress code policy, but rarely does anyone ever enforce it. Most people dress casual or business casual. I just show up in joggers and a t-shirt. Lol
I wear scrubs provided by my work, so I do this every day! Being able to swap for shorts and a tank top in the summer is so much more comfortable.
..is telling people not to wear uncomfortable clothing seriously a pro tip?
This post just blew my mind. I have plenty of space to change in the bathroom near my desk at work and I carry a backpack with me every day. I can’t believe I’ve never thought of this before.
Is it possible to just dress more comfortably for work??
I found out not wearing a tight skirt, a scratchy blouse or a real bra at work facilitates so much! Also the guys at the fish market stop making fun of me
My drive isn’t so bad, and I’m a landscaper rather than an office worker. However I use a similar method, but focused on my feet haha. I’m on them all day and they’re good hiking boots, but it’s big relief to clock out, change socks and put on my slides before driving the half hour or so home
Lol you didn’t just change shoes in your car??
I worked as a lift operator at a ski resort for a season. One of the best percs was an employee locker at the base of the mountain, with a shower that hardly anyone used. After work or after skiing all day I could just pop in and shower and change. The lockers where heated so stuff would dry out nice. I should have never quit that job but the pay was pitiful.
Working Girl (1988) vibes intensify..