Any thoughts on someone in a professional position having a tattoo?

Question

I have a tattoo I want and I want to get it on my forearm. However, I am in a professional position and constantly around people, while I would like to say I am not worried about what people think, I have to be. I have been thinking about getting it for a while and this is the only draw back. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Answer 1

the problem is where you're looking to get it. say you're in a meeting, its hot and stuffy. So naturally you roll your sleeves up. Suddenly the whole atmosphere changes because the people who have been stuck there with you for 5 hours notice your tattoo. Theyre clueless and close minded so their entire attitude changes and what you've worked on the entire meeting goes down the drain.

Its a far out scenario but its a maybe. Situations like this sadly do happen. If you are worried about your professional appearance keep it somewhere under your shirt where it cannot be seen. The forearm would not be a good choice.

I come from a conservative family myself, went to law school, realtor school etc etc. None of my work is visible unless i choose for it to be, that way i can always have a professional appearance should the occasion arise where people who do not know me may judge. I do enjoy telling these people especially what i do for a living, the shock factor is an 11+

Answer 2

Just make sure it will not be visible at work. It's fine to get it on your forearm...IF you can live with never wearing short sleeves at work. If it gets really hot in your office and you occasionally wear short sleeves in the summer I'd get it somewhere else if I were you.

Personally tattoos don't bother me at all, but I'm fairly young and have a friend with one forearm completely inked so I'm used to them. There are a lot of people who unfortunately will make snap judgments and assumptions about your personality and ability to do your job because of a tattoo. I am not at all saying they should, I'm just saying it will happen and it's probably not worth losing potential clients over a tattoo when you could just get it somewhere else or make sure it's not visible in your work clothes.

Answer 3

I thought about the same thing. I am studying to be an accountant, but I have wanted a tattoo on my inner wrist for a while now. The only thing stopping me is the fact that it will be visible... and therefore not fitting for a professional environment.

Honestly, if no one can see it, I say go for it!

Answer 4

I have a friend who works at Duke University....and he has 3/4 length tattoo sleeves. He has to wear long sleeved shirts everyday to work. He says it is worth it, and after work he is free to show them. While tattoos are beautiful art work (for the most part), they are not accepted in professional environemts. If you have one on your forearm, you should be prepared to have to cover it at all times....but I think that the forearm tatts are usually very attractive!

Answer 5

the fact is that there is a huge stigma for people who have visible tattoos. it depends on what you mean by "professional" position. the first thing i think of is a prostitute. i know that's not what you meant... just first thing that popped into my mind... ANYWAY. it is a huge decision and there is really no way to know how others will react until you get it done. how does your work feel about you having visible tattoos? some places have policies against it. whatever you decide good luck but do know that people WILL look at you differently than if you didn't have visible tattoos. it's not fair but it's the way it is.

Answer 6

ok, well A- Jekin is a jackass and nobody cares if they have his respect or not.

2- I love tattoos but unfortunatly theres still alot of people (like jekin) who are prejudice against them. It might cause people to get an instant attitude about you. I'd like to say screw them, who cares what they think? and normally, I do say that, but if you're trying to move up the ladder, it might not help .


However they do sell make up that covers tattoos, and, if youre in a business suit, no one will see it. Just think it out before you get it, pros,cons, etc. Ultimately its your decision and only you have to live with it.

Answer 7

Hold back on getting a tattoo at least until you're established in your profession. I know the feeling. I wanted a big one on my back, but I'm constantly doing pageants, and in pageant dresses your back is ALWAYS exposed, leaving me no way to hide it (even with makeup), and like the rest of the world, pageant judges look down on them. I'd been waiting to turn 18 to get it, but then I realized that I probably couldn't win anything with a huge tattoo on my back. So, like I said, until you're more established in your profession, or consider getting it somewhere else.

Answer 8

tattooing itself has become more mainstream than ever! it is no longer looked down upon by the "professionals" of the world. I work at the biggest tattoo shop in chicago and you wouldnt believe the amount of buisnessmen and women we tattoo everyday! Do what you want to do not what society tells you to! Enjoy your new tattoo it will be with you for awhile, and a little advice, make sure to do research in your area and make sure the shop has a good clean reputation and that they are licensed in your state to be doing tattoos
if you have anymore questions you can visit our myspace at www.myspace.com/jadedragontattoo and i will be more than happy to answer them for you!
Diamond Joe

Answer 9

Personally, if I were in a meeting with someone who rolled up his sleeves to reveal a tattoo - I'd be way more at ease with them. Unfortunately, not enough people feel that way.
So best to get it where it won't show at work...

Answer 10

I'd say get the tattoo but remember it'll last on ya body after you're dead! And jenkin I don't care what you, or anybody else, think! More pics at the link;

http://www.willyblues.com/