I got a job.

A what?

That’s right. A part-time sales job. I will start Monday (with a week of training) to sell the Clinique brand of cosmetics at our local VonMaur. Clinique is said to be “the global leader in allergy-tested, fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved cosmetic applications to skin care and makeup.” Okay.

I do love the product, though, and have used it since I was a teen with troubled skin. My dermatologist recommended it to hide my acne. What’s interesting is that all of the women who will sell alongside me are in their early 20s, and if you don’t know, I’m 38.

I went through three interviews. Yep. For a part-time make-up person. An hour with the HR gal, an hour with the store's general manager, and an hour on the phone with Clinique corporate.

I popped in the store today, a quick 6-block jaunt from our home, to buy some black dress clothing (all sales reps for the brand must wear all black: skirts (appropriate length – of course), HOSE – ick, and closed-toe shoes, preferably heels. I really don’t think my standard attire of clogs and jeans will work, hence I bought some “stuff.”

I approached the Clinique counter to take a peek at the rest of the sales staff. I introduced myself to a nice young lady and indicated that I would be starting with the store on Monday. She said, “Oh, you must be selling fragrance.” I chuckled to myself because all of the fragrance women are at least 50.

I said, “No, I’ll be working with YOU right HERE.” Tee hee. Her boss, the cosmetic sales manager for all lines, approached, and introduced herself. “You must be Michelle.” “I’m happy to have someone with your public relations experience…bla…bla…you’ll make a wonderful addition here.” I laughed again. I don’t think of myself as a professional anymore. I am a mom, and a mom who has three kids, one of whom has special needs. That is my “job.” And, I do still do a bit of consulting, primarily with medical practices and currently with a dermatologist. That, by the way, will help. But, it was refreshing, I must say, to have someone refer to me as a professional. We’ll see.

I have also been accepted into a wonderful nursing program. I paid my $100 deposit, but I have put school on hold for a year. Elliot is still too medically fragile, and I simply cannot devote that many hours to school right now. So, cosmetic sales it will be. Oh, and I get a white “lab” coat. That will have to be close enough for now. I’ll post a photo soon, so you call all laugh at me – or with me!