Jon Eliason
Associate Broker

When I lived in Silicon Valley, I was being molded for the type of lifestyle that the area demanded. There was a saying back in the '80's that I assume still applies, "Make your age or you won't make it". Which meant when you were 25, you HAD to make a minimum of $25K a year, 35 years old?-$35K minimum, 50 Yrs?-$50K. That was in the '80's. Lord only know's what it is now.

Yep, I had and wore suits. The last two i have are still in my closet. A Pierre Cardin and Fratelli from Cassara Brothers.

When I was interviewing Real Estate Brokerages back in 2008, here in Pagosa Springs, I dressed to kill. Three piece suits are what I expected. It's the only Corporate World Attire I was used to. Apparently, some of the brokerages assumed I was with an Audit Team out of Denver. I walked into their little office wearing a Fratelli and these folks were looking for a back door....

Okay, that may be a little exaggerated.

What I'd come to learn was that this is a VERY TINY TOWN. (Some will call it a city, but until it reaches a Population of 35,000 people, it can't be, it's a Town). People move at a slower pace here. Appointments are kept on , "Pagosa Time". That meant 15-30 minutes from a scheduled time. I had to slow down... It took me 6 months to realize I could leave my keys in the car overnight in my driveway, parked at a gas station or even at the supermarket without the worry of it getting stolen. It's THAT different. I was used to drive-by shootings that seemed to occur almost daily when I lived in the Bay Area.

The Dress code is also quite different here. People almost freak out when they see someone in a Pierre Cardin suit. I don't do it any more. The accepted style is basically jeans and a T-shirt. (Almost) I now wear either Levi's or Wranglers, a Polo during the Summer and a Long Sleeve Casual Dress shirt during the Winter. If I really want to "Dress up" any more, I'll add my Haggar Sport Coat to my wardrobe.

I'm sooooo glad I live in a place where everyone is relaxed.... Even my Jeans style is relaxed...

I guess Dressing for success goes with the territory, I would have never worn jeans & a T-shirt to work in the Silicon Valley.

Now it's the Exact opposite! I won't wear my 3-Piece suits to work, they're too "Stuffy".   Have a Great Day...   :)