Appropriate for work?

Question

I'm 19 and i work in a proffesional company i am the youngest person working here by 15 years. I am a little bit of a punk as well...My mother and i have an ongoing debate about what is appropriate for work and what is not. For instance i Have my eyebrow pierced, she says it is inaapropriate to wear anything other in it then my clear bar to work. i want to get my lip pierced she says no. i want to die my hair black she says no (its dark brown now) According to you adults out there what is or isn't appropriate. AKA what would you look down on me or not hire/fire me for having

Answer 1

as a former manger i would agree with mom on the lip piercings , when dealing with the public or coworkers in a office job it is unprofessional, however the eyebrow is iffy clear is safe or a simple gold or silver would likely be OK. the hair being black i see no trouble as a employer as long as it is kept in a neat fashion at work not spiked for example. ask you direct boss for info on company policies as well, some companies do have guidelines for not just wardrobe but piercings as well.

Answer 2

I like difference, so this isn't prejudice talking.

However, you've got to ask, what are you doing there? If you're being paid to be a face for the company, then you could cost the company more than just your wages if you are a distraction to the clients. Deals will or won't go through for sillier reasons than a pierced eyebrow.

I like working with people who like being in business. If you like the business you're working for, go for it and enjoy it. Do the things they do, the way they do them. Have fun and make a difference.

If not, then does it matter? If not, you're just filling in your time until something else comes along. Don't get fired, learn what you can. Later, you'll get into something you really care about and will pay the price (any price, even taking off body piercings) to get it done to the best of your abilities.

Good luck!

Answer 3

None of that is appropriate (except the hair) if you want to be viewed as a professional person. (The hair would only be ok if you removed the eyebrow rings and styled it in an adult manner.) While people aren't ususally fired for appearance, management will find something else wrong if they really don't think you look professional. Personally, I probably wouldn't hire someone with a lip piercing.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, people are judged by their appearance. Studies repeatedly show that tall, good-looking men make more money than the rest of us mortals. Someone wearing a suit is sending the message that they expect to be treated with more respect than a barefoot guy in dirty, ripped jeans would.

Older people, especially those in conservative positions, tend to be repelled by purple mohawks, any piercings on the face, more than two on each ear and by any tattoos on face, neck, arms or hands. Some feel, rightly or wrongly, that it represents a poor image of their company. I'd save your eyebrow/nose/lip piercings for your partying hours and humor the stiffs at your company by not wearing them at work. Remember, the money they pay you will pay for your free time and hobbies! Or look for a job in the music industry or start your own business where you can do anything you want (or at least, anything that your customers will tolerate!)

Answer 5

I say no to piercings other than one or at the most two in you ears, and only traditional piecings, not the big plug style ones. I don't think coloring your hair black would be a big deal, as long as your dress and makeup do not appear to be Gothic.

the best thing to do is ask for the company dress code policy, it will give you good guidelines as to what is and isn't acceptable. Also, look around you, what are the 35 year olds doing? That's a good indication as well.

Answer 6

Honestly, this is the deal--for working pizza delivery or a music store that's all cool. You also have to realize that it's just part of life and you will eventually need to conform to company standards: ie, clean & well groomed-no piercings or visible tatoos & reasonable hair and clothing. I had to cut my long hair off and fortunately my tatoos are covered by long sleeves-it's part of growing up. Rip off that band-aid quick to get it over and on with life in the real world. I wouldn't look down on you, but it would be pretty hard to place you or promote you as a serious individual with motivation and potential.

Answer 7

Definitely take out the piercings and don't get more. As far as the hair, dying it is okay as long as it is styled conservatively. Rememebr, you are representing the company so your appearance reflects on them. And yes, you are judged by your looks, so if you want to keep this job or get a good job in a corporate setting you have to conform a little.

Answer 8

Lmao sorry but I was in the same situation a couple of years ago. dying your hair a dramatic color or wearing metal will hinder you more than anything. To be taken seriously You have to dress the way the establishment prefers. sorry but unfortunately your mother is right. personally I'd hire you without blinking but To be fair you also have to look at it from the clientele's view. would you feel comfortable if someone drastically different than you was waiting on you.

Answer 9

hair dying okay, lip piercing no, eyebrow piercing is pushing it. remember you are the youngin of the bunch. they may either appreciate your young sense of style or they may deem it unprofessional. bottom line, if you're going to be fired/not hired for any reason, you don't want it to be bcuz of the way you look. stupid reason. in a professional environment you need to "look" professional. especially if you deal or see customers daily. if you don't then it boils down to office politics. the moment one of your co-workers voices that they don;t like the way you look, you;re gone.

Answer 10

By having piercings and wearing inappropriate attires to work, you are minimizing your chances in being taken seriously in the work place. It is hard to trust someone in the work place when they look so "grungy" or "funky". It is possible to look your age and be presentable and decent for the workplace without compromising your energy and youthfulness. It also doesn't hurt to have a good work attitude.