This summer I became head manager of an outdoor pool. I managed and created schedules, was tasked with instructing new lifeguards, and was expected to make sure pool safety and chemical measures were up to code. Between the patrons who came during the senior hours, or the little 15 year-olds working their first new jobs, I loved creating relationships, especially when for the past year I hadn’t met any new people. 

It was almost perfect, but the downside to being a lifeguard, is the visual representation that comes along with that is. When someone mentions lifeguard, my thoughts immediately go to Baywatch. Ripped shirtless guys, and skinny and curvy women, but I don’t fit that stereotype, and struggles came with that. When requesting a uniform, which my company provides for free, I fill out the styles and sizes of each piece of uniform I need. T-shirt, shorts, bathing suit, etc. The sizes range from XS-XXL. Luckily, my size falls into that category, but whenever I go to the office to pick up my uniform, it’s never in stock.

I have been working for this company for 6 years, and this year was no different. My shirt size was out of stock. I had noticed quickly that if your size was a small medium, or large, it was always easy to get a new uniform. Because I did not have access to the t-shirt, I wore the company sweatshirt that was available for $30. Every day of the summer. No matter the temperature, I had a hoodie on. 

I am pretty used to being uncomfortable, so I got used to wearing my hoodie in the 100 degree heat, whilst being outside for 8 hours at a time. My staff members would ask me “How are you wearing that? It’s so hot. You’re crazy!” 

I had the same response each time. “Well if I get stranded in the middle of the desert one day, I’ll be prepared! I will have trained all summer in a sweatshirt, and become immune to heat!” The regulars would always come ask me, “Rachel, you’re still wearing that sweatshirt? It’s the middle of July!” All I could do was chuckle. By the end of the summer, I think my running joke had actually become reality. I was no longer hot when it was hot out, even though I was heavily layered. 

 The very last week of the summer, the front office, who was very aware that I was unhappy with the lack of uniform accessibility, had informed me personally that they finally got their shipment of t-shirts in my size. I went to the office to grab the shirts, but I never wore them. I had become so accustomed to wearing that sweatshirt, I no longer desired the t-shirt anymore. I grew to live with the inconvenience of not being provided with the correct uniform with my job, and I think that’s how a lot of people live. When you are forced into uncomfortable situations by society, that uncomfort becomes your new comfort.