I have nothing against either & have a tat, plan on getting more.My friend uses her tats & piercings(eyebrow, lip, cheek, tongue, & some I don't see) to say she is being discriminated against when it comes to getting a job, yet she refuses to to take them out/cover up before an interview or even upon getting hired.She lives in a very small, narrow-minded town where jobs are scarce & sadly, people DO look down on such things.I've always admired her for standing out & being herself but when it comes to feeding your family & doing your part(she lives w/ her boyfriend, who works his butt off for peanuts & they have a daughter who just started school)do you think you should suck it up & sacrifice your "uniqueness"(not so unique anymore-almost everyone I know has @ least one, if not more, of either or)or stand firm in the face of the working class society?I would really appreciate some good insight here...
2007-08-28 13:07:51 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I understand her point of view, I'm a non-conformist too. I've been barefoot for over ten years, and I refuse to wear shoes even for a minute. I do have a job but it's something a bit out of the ordinary, rather than working at some local store I have a commute of about 1 1/2 hour each way to work in a theme park in another town. That's my choice; but I also don't have a family so I don't mind coming home late, if I had a small child I'd probably want to be home earlier for after school care & dinner! Still it could be something for her to think about, is there a larger town within driving distance, even if it'll take her some time to get there each day? If she could find something for 2-3 days she'd bring in some money and still have several afternoons left for her daughter.
Or is there really no job at all that will take her? Before I worked at the theme park, I also worked barefoot at an ISP help desk, phone/email contact with customers mostly. Perhaps there is something like that, something in the IT? Telephone salesperson? Home job? Telecommute at least part of the time? Or look into something artistic -design, advertising?
2007-08-29 10:24:35 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends upon the position and company.
If the company or firm has an established image and reputation, then it would be reasonable to have that image continue through their employees as a job requirement.
If it does prove to be detrimental in doing the company's business with clients, then every conceivable compromise is expected on the sides of the employee and employer, which is reasonable for the sake of maintaining and growing that client base, which usually takes a large investment to obtain for each one.
Whether it's a big or small community, however, tattoos and piercings (or any other outwards statements of uniqueness) are noticed. I think most people are discreet about it during work hours for similar reasons; and, the fact that there is plenty of competition without such uniqueness. But, I'd especially recommend being discreet during interviews to demonstrate it is within your friend's capacity to abide by the company's standards.
2007-08-28 13:42:18 · answer #2 · answered by David the Gentleman 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your pierced and tattooed friend in not unique nor is she being a rebel - she's just lazy and using her "look" as an excuse not to work. She needs to join the real world and realize that she's no more special than the next pierced/tattooed person on the street. She probably does not get any of the jobs she interviews for because her poor attitude towards work comes across loud and clear to those interviewing her.
2007-09-01 09:01:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am over 40 college educated, middle class female in a professional field. I have a tattoo. When it is appropriate I cover mine. It is not a matter of not being myself or who I am, it is about the same respect for others I expect for myself. If your friend can find a decent paying job in a field in which one would expect to see tattoos and piercings like a record store or punk or goth type of clothing store then by all means she should, but that is not likely in a small town. I think she should "suck up" and do what she has to do to be a responsible adult and realize our "uniqueness" comes from within not from an earring or tattoo.
2007-08-28 13:33:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree. People looking down on these things are silly. Tattos and piercings can be trivial to some, but to others, it's another form of expression. An estension of one's self.
I plan on remaining on the lighter side of tattoos and piercings(I have no plans on covering my body with them, but a few here and there seem fine; so far, I have an industrial piercing and a plan to get an Egyptian ankh tattoo on the back of my neck. For the moment, that's all I want.) just because that's how I prefer them. Lightly done. However, I have nothing against those who wish to use their entire bodies as blank canvases.
2007-08-28 13:15:54 · answer #5 · answered by Stardust 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Often those who can't compromise have troubles in the future, and it can turn into an unhelpful trait that can turn your pride into a menace for life.
Generally, I'd say it is very important not to cover up who you are, but when it threatens your well being (job, family's stability, etc.) to me it's more important to temporarily make the sacrifice and help out yourself and those you love in the long run.
2007-08-28 13:36:27 · answer #6 · answered by Mandy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Work time is for work, not for personal expression. In time, one may be able to earn such a good reputation that some bosses are willing to overlook personal peculiarities, but when seeking entry level employment its best to demonstrate one's willingness to "tone it down" for the sake of pleasing the boss.
Young readers take note and keep the tatts confined to places that are easily covered for work.
2007-08-28 15:07:13 · answer #7 · answered by kill_yr_television 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i've always been a non comformist and i can understand her desire to prove to an employer that she shouldn't be judged by her appearance only. however, that employer has to think of his customers as well. this is a small town with elderly people. they are set in their ways. not only that but, as you said, she has a daughter to support. she has to come first no matter what. if that means she has to compromise a bit, so be it. we all have to walk before we an run.
2007-08-28 13:22:08 · answer #8 · answered by racer 51 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your friend is being selfish. Of course you should give up your "uniqueness" if you go a family to take care of.
2007-08-28 14:24:56 · answer #9 · answered by lily_shaine 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋