I Luv the Chariot OH Posted October 1, 2008 Posted October 1, 2008 A couple of years ago, when I had an unusual but mostly unnoticable piercing, I got hired for a job. The manager liked me well enough through the interview, but when I came in on my first day, he suddenly told me my piercing wasn't appropriate, and if I didn't get rid of it, I couldn't work for him (funny that didn't tell me this until after I came in, and did let me finish my first shift, which leads me to believe that he hadn't noticed it during the interview). I ended up "standing up for myself" (if you could call it that) and quitting the stupid job, but since then I've always wondered. Nowadays, I have a new job and a tattoo, which I always keep covered (in fact, my employers don't even know I have it), but in the back of my mind, I'm still always wondering. Would my employer now not have hired me if he knew I had a tattoo? Even worse, would I be fired now if he found out? And if I were, wouldn't it be ridiculous? Does having a tattoo make me any less educated, charismatic? Does it make me any less of a hard worker? Why should it matter if I have a tattoo or an unusual piercing if I can get the job done better than most other people? I will preface this by saying that I know it is an imperfect analogy, because people can only choose their attractiveness/the way they look minimally--but if looking "proper" is so important for the workforce, then why do unattractive people get hired? Why don't employers just hire those who are both the most attractive AND capable, for every job? Why do unattractive/overweight people have jobs at all? I know this post is all over the place, but what I'm trying to ask is why does it matter is someone has a tattoo or piercing if they are educated and have good work experience and a good attitude, and if they can get the job done? I realize that some tattoos are just stupid looking, but some are nice and classy--in that case, what's the problem, other than old people not being able to get over their silly conservatism?
Geishawhelk Posted October 1, 2008 Posted October 1, 2008 I have 9 tattoos, one of which is noticeable with certain clothing. I told my prospective employer about it up front, because that way they have no ammunition for disciplining you if they later say "It shouldn't be on show". Declaration is a way of protecting yourself. I've never found it to be an issue, but it's safer to admit to it up front. A friend of mine was fired (she was a telephonist in an office!) for having tattoos she had already told her company about. She was eventually admirably compensated...... Tattoos are far more 'acceptable' than they were even just 5 years ago... actors and actresses have them, and don't even cover them up in movies now. But once upon a time, it was a taboo thing. Attitrudes change. some people don't. I think also, it depends on the design and how appropriate it is. If it's tasteful and decorative, then it should not be as big an issue as maybe a tattoo that declares something controversial in its imagery.
Whey2Big4u Posted October 1, 2008 Posted October 1, 2008 I have a very high job, and I have many tattoos and piercings. Some poeple at wokr know I have them and its cool, just you cant tell I have them when im at work. If my employeer knew the first day it would be becaus ethey say it. And if they say it then they wouldnt have highered me I dont think. I do have my ears pierced and it is noticable when i dont have the rings in, but i still loook proffesional and thats all that matters
konfuzd Posted October 1, 2008 Posted October 1, 2008 When you get a tattoo/piercing, you know there is a certain social stigma attached to it, and you need to understand that it can cause you to be judged in certain situations. From an employer's standpoint, it is hard to draw the line as to what is acceptable and legal ramifications they can endure from allowing one thing and not another. For example, you come in with your 'unnoticable' piercing and someone else comes in with 7 eyebrow rings, 4 lip rings and a chain linking an earring to a nosering. While both of you may be qualified for the job from an experience or an educational standpoint, you are applying to represent his company, and he should be able to decide what kind of image he wants to portray. Alternately, you may start with one piercing, and if he lets that one slide, you may eventually become the one with the 7 eyebrow rings etc... IF he sets the boundaries right away, it makes things much simpler. I have several large tattoos, but they are located where they are hidden by my work attire, but I can show them if I want to in my leisure time. I would love to have full sleeves and maybe something on my neck, but I must understand that I work in a competitive field, and a CEO of a major company may be less apt to do business with someone who is covered in ink.
tanbark813 Posted October 1, 2008 Posted October 1, 2008 It depends on the job and the people for whom you work. I have visible piercings and they've never been a problem career-wise. As a software engineer it doesn't really matter what I look like.
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