Tattoos in the corporate world?

Question

I already have two tattoos, but they're on my back and easy to hide. However, I'd like to get one on my arm (which will be visible in the summer) and one on the back of my neck (which will be visible when I put my hair up. I'd also like to get a very small nose ring. I'd like to hear from anyone who works in an office. I work, where the dress is business casual. Should I do this or will it hinder me getting a job, promoted, etc.? I'd love to hear from people who have tattoos/piercing in these places on their bodies and have corporate jobs. What is your experience? Would you recommend I do it?

Answer 1

Here's my story:

I met my husband when I was in graduate school, and his profession was as a body piercer, so of course, I added some piercings and tattoos, not too much. I have both traguses, a daith, eyebrow, noserings, and my ears are stretched to zero. I got my Master's degree and was hired at the right after graduation. I work full time in research using MRI's, and my only concern is that I do not buy jewelry that has ferromagnetic properties. Most of my tattoos are covered, but in summer the ones on my upper arm show. My full-time job has no official policies on piercing or tattooing, and it has not ever been a problem.

I also work part time teaching anatomy and physiology at a small private college, and they have no problems with my body art.

Keep in mind that not all businesses are as liberal as where I am working. Some companies have official policies, so research them before you apply.

Unfortunately, body art has not been widely accepted yet, burt maybe in time, it will be.

A NOTE TO BILL P, NO I DO NOT CHANGE OIL AT JIFFY LUBE, I HAVE A GREAT PROFESSIONAL CAREER. EVEN IF I DID, WHAT IS WRONG WITH WORKING ANYJOB? So what do you do for a living that is so great? It is people like you that keep the stereotype of "tattooed and pierced" people going. Also, if done with proper technique, the risk of hepatitis is almost nothing.

Answer 2

I have a total of 5 tattoos, my tongue is pierced and I have my ears pierced a few times on each side. My tattoos are also easy to hide. Most people don't notice that I have a tongue ring. I work in a corporate environment and the dress is also business casual. I have been at this same job for the last 5 1/2 years and have been promoted many times. I had a few of my tattoos and my piercing before I started. I work with Team Leads, Supervisors, and Managers that have their eyebrows, lip, nose, and other places pierced. In my experience piercings and tattoos haven't stopped me or others that I work with from getting promoted. Only you know your work environment, check what your company policy is on these types of things, some companies are more lenient and some are more strict. You could have pink hair for all I care as long as you get your work done. Good luck!

Answer 3

I have had a total of 22 piercings. Currently I have 3 visable facial piercings, stretch 00ga lobes. I also have several visible tattoos. It IS frowned upon in the corporate world, however, if it is something that is truely u, there are ways to work around it. U can always wear sleeves, and there a retainers for piercings. I have fought VERY hard to be able to be myself at work, and have succeeded. I am an Assistant Branch MANAGER at a Library. I have a college education. I am not a party girl, and I DO have my priorities straight. I am also conducting interviews to fill a couple positions next week....and tattoos and piercings are not an issue with me, obviously. Maybe u'll find an employer with a similar opinion. They ARE out there!! U are NOT doomed to working at Hottopic! Hahaha!! Good luck!

Answer 4

Ok, if you look at how things are right now - today, and you look at the old guys who are CEO's and whatnot, sure you won't find a tattoo on them. But with the amount of people who have tattoo's now, there is just not going to be a choice in companies. They're way more acceptable today. I have a tattoo on my wrist and I have a really good job. No one I work with has an issue with it, it doesn't change who I am, or my ability to do the job.

Answer 5

I would not advise it due to the fact your corporate career is beginning and should last into your 50s or 60s. What may seem cool now you may hate 10 years from now. The big career danger from a visible tattoo is people may choose not to promote or hire you and they will never tell you it's because of the tattoo. I personally dislike tattoos but I would never say anything to anyone about their tattoo.

Answer 6

just be tastful about it. i think nose rings are really cute, it becomes most people, and i think you would find that some people don't even notice it.

as for the tattoos, i think that if it isn't appropriate in your work setting then you can still cover a tattoo on your arm or the back of your neck. if it means that much to you to cover them, i guess you will just have to be hot.

i really don't see how this could be a problem. they may never make you the president of the company, but as long as you do your work well, i see no reason why it should bother anyone that you decided to do these things.

go for it.
♥

Answer 7

Tattoos and alternative piercings are not advisable. Results are what business wants most, but it how you look will come into play. They will come into consideration for promotions and future success.

Unless you are looking to work in the tattoo corporate world :)

Answer 8

It's all in what exactly you want to do. If you want to work for some place that's more artsy it probably won't have much of an effect on anything. However, if your career goals are some place that would take you more traditional than you may want to think twice.

Answer 9

I wouldn't recommend getting tats that are visible as long as you are trying to climb any sort of corporate ladder.

Answer 10

It will most certainly hinder your prospects for employment in an office environment. Skip the tatoos and focus on your future instead. The "pierced and tattoed" folks all seem to be changing oil at Jiffy Lube and installing tires at Costco. There are better ways to spend your money than wasting it on the possibility of getting hepatitis !!!