Fat in the City

Before I moved to NYC I was living in West Virginia in an environment that I didn't realize until now supported my excess weight.

In WV I held a job at the local call center. As I looked around I noticed something that many people may over look. I was among other large people. These people were in various stages of being overweight or obese. Everywhere I went, for the most part, I blended into the crowd. It could be stated that my job attracted those with sedentary lifestyles, or it simply was considered a better paying job than working at McDonalds or Target. Everywhere I went, for the most part, I blended into the crowd.

That was until I moved to New York City.

I am defiantly apart of the fat minority here and this has prevented me from getting jobs. I'm not apart of the "fat acceptance" movement, nor do I believe in shunning those of weight, but the truth is I just did not fit in at jobs where looks are more important than experience. My first experience was when I went in for an interview at an upscale boutique on Park Avenue called Scully and Scully. I knew before I went I would not get the job and simply went on a lark. They called me twice to come in for an interview and when I arrived I was dressed in black slacks with a bright green blazer. I was actually feeling confident so I proceeded through the front doors. I was greeted by the doorman (yes, a doorman) and then was told to have a look around at all of their shiny and highly overpriced objects. I kept wondering why I did this to myself, but smiled at those around me anyway. As I trudged up a flight of steps behind my interviewer I felt queasy and shaky. We spoke and I couldn't help but notice that she was a young looking fifty something woman who could be mistaken for a magazine editor. She began sifting through her stack of resumes and pulled mine out giving it a quick once over while I shifted in my chair to look professional and assertive. She exclaimed that they were looking for someone with more sales experience and would keep me in mind for the holidays. I smiled and thanked her for her time and left. I went outside feeling dizzy and disappointed; the interview only lasted for 5 minutes. I started to choke back tears as I realized what actually had happened. I bought orange juice and sipped on it during my hour long commute back home. I went through stages of what happened that day in her office. I started out being sad, then I moved on to anger (which also included an email to the company, with no response) and then to acceptance.

This would not be the last time that I was denied a job in Manhattan. A couple of weeks later I was called in to be interviewed at Dune a contemporary furniture store in Manhattan close to China Town. I was prepared, and nervous with beads of sweat forming on my face when I arrived to the interview. I walked in and was surrounded by furniture that was a throw back to the 60's. Everything was bright, sleek and defiantly not in my price range. I was greeted by a sales associate who sat atop a very small pod seat while she scoured the internet and answered the phones. I was told to have a look around while I waited. I just stood there for what seemed like an hour. I was eventually approached by a man who looked to be in his mid-thirties. He looked as though he hadn't slept in days, with circles and bags that surrounded his eyes. His clothes were plain and he pulled off a look only New Yorkers can pull off when wearing nothing, but neutrals. He apologized and told me that he was running into schedule conflicts and would have to interview me tomorrow. I gave him a blank stare and said "so, am I really going to be considered for this job or are you blowing me off?". He seemed stunned and proclaimed that if I was called for the interview then he didn't understand why I wouldn't be considered. They never called back.

Fortunately for me, I have been able to find a very good job in Brooklyn, that is closer to home and a better job in general. I still feel like an outcast when I am out in the city, but I just smile and keeping walking.

Read more at my All Natural Weight Loss Blog.