https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:21:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-500674 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:36:47 +0000 Angie 500674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope that receiving your newly tailored items will cheer you up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-500625 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:07:31 +0000 ironkurtin 500625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might remind dear daddy that book learning is about more than getting a job. Maybe it won't sink in, but seriously, there is more to life than employment! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-500505 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:57:17 +0000 Elly 500505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gosh-- Thanks ladies!</p> <p>I'm glad (but not) to here that other fabulous dynamic ladies have gone through this-- makes me feel less like something is wrong with me! (Right now my father has been teasing me mercilessly about not being employed despite being "book smart"-). </p> <p>I'm very happy I graduated (twice!). I think it feels like I've been unemployed much longer than I have because I finished classes in May-- but didn't finish my thesis/internship and graduate until August. </p> <p>I've been hesitating about buying for the life I have now for so long-- especially now that I'm still unemployed I worry about money (I have a not-too-small clothing budget put away because I haven't shopped in several years and was "saving"). Moreso, spending on things that I need, but could get by without (because fewer people see them, ect) knowing hopefully soon I will need to buy some sort of work wardrobe. </p> <p>But how long can a girl wait? Sometimes (at various points in time) I've felt like I've been waiting for your life to begin- but all that time waiting is life too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-499966 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:16:04 +0000 Jem 499966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you are going through this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-499958 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:57:37 +0000 Kim 499958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All the other ladies have had great insight and I can only add that if you buy and wear some great pieces NOW for the body and life you have NOW you will feel a wee bit better about this issue. You can always donate them if they become useless to you in the future and some lucky lady (at a shelter or a thrift store) will have a better day because of you too! Kinda the same advice we would give if a person was losing weight and didn't want to fab up their wardrobe until they were done...</p> <p>Quit waiting and get out there and buy a nice top! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-499887 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:11:45 +0000 rae 499887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I so sympathize with you! I was stuck in a temp job for 3 years after graduating at the exact time the economy blew up. :T But you know, you DID graduate, and that is something to celebrate, even though things aren't moving along as fast as you'd hoped. Can you maybe just get yourself a few inexpensive things that will be fab for you *right now*? I really felt better doing that for myself instead of saving everything for a job that seemed like it'd never come. Maybe you could even get some versatile tops that could be dressed up or down depending on what kind of job you end up with? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-499831 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:08:22 +0000 Vicki 499831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I'm sending you big West Coast hugs and just wanted to say that it's okay to have those feelings and we all get in slumps. But, keep holding on to the optimism, inspiration and fun that you feel about being here, because we're here for you. Remember that graduating is making a new transition and so are the other things in your life. Just accept them as change as best as you can and be kind and gentle with yourself. I wish you all good things in the new year and hope that your job position comes through. p.s. Please treat yourself to something today! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-499091 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:16:24 +0000 ironkurtin 499091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I spent 6 months being unemployed (major layoffs) and I know how sickening it is. I feel your frustration!</p> <p>What size are you? I am about to surplus some dressier things. I'd rather send them to you than to ebay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-499082 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:04:53 +0000 Elly 499082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I'm sorry to vent my frustrations here, but I always appreciate how warm and supportive YLF is (and to be honest, I received some much-needed hugs). </p> <p>I'm slowly going insane!</p> <p>As much as I'd like to be mad at my boss, my understanding of the situation is that the powers that be are interfering. Still, I'm a bit frustrated because I can't help but feel she led me on and/or isn't willing to go to bat-- even her boss was encouraging me, and now I'm getting automated emails from HR. I guess we'll see-- I'm hoping to get something done today and then I'll have an excuse to call her and bring it up. </p> <p>Fashion-wise, I feel stumped. If I get this job, I'll need quite a few smart casual clothes of a specific type (stuff I probably wouldn't wear outside of work, with several constraints), a lot of hiking/really casual stuff (living in a remote area with no businesses within an hours' drive-- so lots of time spend outdoors and at home), and a very small weekend smart-casual capsule. At another job, I may not be able to wear the smart casual stuff, and would need a larger, but different weekend capsule. </p> <p>Obviously my casual capsule is one thing that I'm currently using that I can see continuing to need-- but gosh is it hard to spend money on clothes like that when there may be the upcoming expenditures of a business wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-499002 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:18:22 +0000 Lisa 499002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry to hear about your "limbo." I was unemployed for a year and a half and I felt like I was stalled. I never knew what to wear or what to buy. But one thing I did realize, regardless of my work dress code when I got a new job, I'll still have to dress for the weekends. Perhaps one new weekend outfit will cheer you up? For myself, I purchased a pair of jeans and a nice top. I figured, even if I couldn't wear the jeans to my new job, I'd still be able to wear the top. Good luck with your job hunt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498941 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:29:14 +0000 Debora 498941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sending more hugs your way, Elly. You've gotten excellent advice from the ladies and we are here for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498876 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:52:55 +0000 shipskitty 498876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just *hugs* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498834 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:48:04 +0000 Anonymous 498834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh! Transition is NOT a fun place to have to hang out. Also there is that phenomenon when you think something is going to happen by a certain date, and then it gets moved back and you feel like a few months is for-ev-er because of your former mindset. Even if you knew just *one* of the variables, like that you were for sure getting the job or even an interview or if you for sure knew the date you would have a job or where you would be working at least you'd know SOMETHING. And then there are all of the questions from well meaning family and friends that you just don't have an answer to yet. Hmmmmm. Almost like I've been there before, huh? Feeling your pain, dear. Hang in there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498797 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:47:19 +0000 DeniseP 498797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, </p> <p>Sending you a big hug and word of encouragement: this too shall pass, </p> <p>You will see brighter days, so please hold on.<br /> All of us at times can get in a slump, but you are not alone.<br /> I'm fairly new here, but from your above post, you have a lot going for you -- a recent college graduate, working in temp position, and a possible interview!<br /> Then when you do get a job, you will already have a plan of what items to get, from all the interaction on YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498792 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:42:14 +0000 velvetychocolate 498792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are not stuck! You graduated - yay!!! And you're just in between point A and B - for a longer time than you expected to be. It's *always* uncomfortable being in that 'in-between' phase, and these days - because of the economy being what it is - it's just taking a lot longer than it really should. </p> <p>In the meantime - what's really going on is that you've completed and accomplished something major and the next thing hasn't quite started up yet - leading you to believe that things are where they were 2.5 years ago - this is *not* true. Two and a half years ago, you weren't finished school - and this is a really big deal Elly. This is a life-changing success - and yet, you don't know it yet - because the next phase hasn't quite started up yet. This does *not* mean you're still in limbo. </p> <p>What's really going on is that there are all kinds of great things about to happen - it's not "stuck in limbo", it's more like, "Let's take a breather before I really take off..." </p> <p>You have a lot to look forward to and right now, it's just that little pause before you really fly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498776 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:25:17 +0000 Angie 498776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ooh, Elly! ((HUGS)). </p> <p>I can't top the advice from the lasses above, but just want you to know that the forum is here when you need support and encouragement 24/7. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498774 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:22:51 +0000 Amy 498774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, it sound like you've been going through a rough period. I can sympathize with the job frustrations in particular. I was given a similar run-around with my former employer and know how aggravating that can be. I wish I could march into your supervisor's office and demand that you be given an interview, listing all the reasons why you are uniquely qualified for the position and making it completely obvious that they'd be stupid not to hire you.</p> <p>Anyway, as far as fashion goes, can you make a list of items that you currently need in your wardrobe--that you need for your current lifestyle? Set yourself a reasonable budget and start adding a few pick-me-ups to your rotation. You know what's really nice to have? Some kind of loungewear that is cozy, pretty or cute, and that makes you feel happy. Fantastic PJs, a robe and slippers are great to have.</p> <p>A few really awesome things might give you the emotional boost you need to persevere with all the interviews. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498769 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:19:54 +0000 Mo 498769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a hard place to be. Maybe just get one complete, great outfit in each capsule if possible? I am in a similar, but not as extreme boat. I am moving home (someday??) soon and don't think my old job will be there for me, so I also have no idea what I might need for career wear. Maybe I'll just need a uniform of different sort, if I do food and beverage somewhere else. Maybe I'll need office duds for a desk job. I actually did buy a pencil skirt (as yet unworn) and some shooties that could work (I have NO pumps in my closet). I don't expect to work in such a field but I feel comforted to know I at least have a very teeny tiny capsule just in case of emergency lol. If that never comes to pass, I feel the pencil skirt can still be worn - maybe dressed down, maybe (god forbid) for a funeral. Anyway, for me, having the bare minimum of a possible capsule in place lessens the anxiety. Here's hoping this year brings you your dream job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498759 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:05:35 +0000 Transcona Shannon 498759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly - you have had more than your share of upset and frustration, between the job issues and the relationship. These would leave anyone feeling somewhat lost and confused and I can understand how difficult it must be to move forward style wise when you don't know what the bulk of your wardrobe will need to be. Unfortunately I don't have any particular advice to offer you - just hugs and good wishes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-still-in-limbo#post-498751 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:58:36 +0000 Elly 498751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've so enjoyed all the retrospective and introspective threads detailing everyone's YLF lessons and experiences from 2011 and goals for 2012. So positive, optimistic, inspiring, and fun!</p> <p>In that light, I'm reluctant to admit that I feel like I'm in a slump. I joined YLF in 2010. I spent all of 2010 and now all 2011 playing the "hurry-up-and-wait" game. When I joined in 2010, I was in need of reinventing myself and rediscovering who I was after some health issues and a traumatic failed relationship had impacted my sense of self and self-esteem for too long. </p> <p>However, in both 2010 and 2011 I found myself in the position of being a senior in college-- twice in a row. Despite badly needing a wardrobe overhaul, I felt (and received lots of advice) that I should wait for the most part until I knew what my life and work situation were going to be like. </p> <p>I graduated in August of this year and finished my temp job in September. I started looking for full-time employment, and have been looking unsuccessfully ever since. The employer that I had worked for started working on creating new long-term positions doing what I had done for them. It took them a while to secure funding, but I was hopeful. The positions were officially funded in November, and announced in December. Interviews should begin in January. Initially my immediate supervisor expressed that she would like to hire me for one of the positions if she was to get funding (I am uniquely qualified for the position). As soon as I heard that funding had come through I was very hopeful that I would have a job. Now, a couple months later, it seems as if I'll be lucky to get an interview. There is still a chance of me getting one of the positions, but I am less hopeful. </p> <p>In addition to the obvious frustrations surrounding the employment situation, it also means that I'm still in LIMBO wardrobe-wise. My current wardrobe needs are much different than they would be if I was to get the job, and those needs are probably way different than my needs would be with a different job or in a different area (even my casual and weekend needs). Exactly where I've been for 2.5 years now. </p>