Body Art?

[countrigal]

Ok, after reading Joan Lloyd's article, and then voting in the poll, I got to thinking...  What would be considered acceptable body art for what type of office?

I ask because I have some of what she listed as body art, but I don't see that it affects my job or my appearance (especially considering I'm conservative with it, which does make a difference).  But is it really such a problem out there?  Have some of you in the hiring positions seen folks coming in with multiple piercings or tattoos?  And how have you handled it?

For me, I have 3 earrings in one ear, and 2 in the other.  I normally wear simple posts in all but the bottom set, and then use those as the match to whatever necklace I'm wearing.  There are times, like today, where I wear only the bottom set, but I don't think that having multiple earrings in my ears has affected my job search/promotibility.  Then last year I pierced my tongue (mid-life crisis is what I'm blaming it on... that or trying to hold onto my youth ) but I purposefully put it far enough back that most people never see it, and whenever I go for an interview or to any important meetings, I put the flat flesh colored "ball" on it so that it's even less noticeable.  By wearing this flat ball when I go for interviews, am I presenting a false image to my potential employers because I don't wear it on a daily basis?

Overall, I don't feel like I look freaky or punked out, or whatever they call the new look but I wanted to get y'alls input on this.  (and those of you who have met me can vouche that I don't look spaced out... I might not be normal, but I'm not totally gone! )  Let's discuss this newest of problems facing the hiring world.

CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[bohorquez]

Body art that is tasteful is fine for the office.  Now I misunderstood the poll and I don't know what I was thinking but I assumed it was about wall art.  Urgh!

By wearing the flesh color "ball" to your interviews, to me, doesn't mean that you are presenting a false image to potentional employers rather you are showing them respect.  Respect of what they may not understand.  I hope that makes sense!  

Now if you were interviewing here and showed that you pierced your tongue my bosses would be like "Man, that's cool" nevermind they're like 50+ years old.  They're pretty hip for their age !

---
Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)

[mlm668]

Not to sound critical of your personal choices CG, but I am one person who finds tongue piercing extremely unattractive.  Mainly that is because everytime I see someone with a pierced tongue they are constantly sticking out their tongue to feel the "barbell" against their lips.  It turns my stomach everytime as does seeing pierced eyebrows, lips and noses.  


You did answer one question for me and that was whether or not it could be removed like earrings.  And since you say you have a flat, flesh colored device that you use, that would appear to be a reasonable compromise between work and personal lives.  I did work with a gal once who had a pierced nose.  I had a difficult time having face to face conversations with her because that hoop in her nose was distracting.

As for earrings, I have two holes in each ear.  I normally only wear one earring in each ear just because.  I have no problem with those who pierce their ears 3 or 4 times each as long as their appearance is neat and not "punked".  For the most part, your hair can hide some of them.

And as far as tattoos go, I'm not bothered by those unless they are extremely obvious or obnoxious looking.  I've work with several ladies who had them, and they kept them hidden when at work.  

What a person does on their own time is not my business, but in an office environment I have a very old school attitude for the most part.  I expect my co-workers to dress as professionally as possible.  In my book certain body art like pierced lips or eyebrows and obnoxious tattoos do not belong in the office environment.


Michelle

Edited by mlm668 on 24/01/02 07:14 PM.

[andream]

And have you ever been talking on the phone with someone and heard that annoying click click as the darn thing hits their teeth? Just cause ya can't see it don't mean it ya can't hear the darn things, especially when someone is using a headset, egads!

[laundryhater]

Ditto to Michelle's remarks.

I'd also like to add that yes, you can do whatever you want to your body, but always remember that it's the employer who has final say who gets the job and who does not. If they don't want someone with body art representing their company, they don't have to hire you. It's not discrimination because they are not turning you down because of your race, color, religion or sex.

Employers are allowed to set dress codes. Before or when you interview for a company find out what their dress code is. If it's something you don't want to abide by then don't interview there and don't accept a job there. That is your freedom of choice.

Different professions have different appropriate dress attire. If you are a tattoo artist it is perfectly acceptable to have lots of visible tattoos - it's great advertising. If you're a rodeo clown, wear as much make-up as you wish. If you're a stripper, feel free to show as much cleavage as you want - brings in the customers. But in an office setting these things are not appropriate.

[chris68]

I'd have to agree that it's inappropriate, but as the pole stated if its not visible as in tattos, I have no problems with that.  There was one of the final three of Survivor III that had tattoos and I really thought that it was too much and I think he was a Marketing Manager or someting, but I guess if he wore a suit it would be hidden, but heavens forbid he should wear a short sleeved shirt and take off the jacket in the summertime, EEKS!  Now that's a bit much.  But if you have one on your back, shoulder, leg, something that can be covered during normal business hours, I guess I would have no problems with that.

As far as the multiple earings, I have no problem, just keep them conservative.  Body piercing, now that bothers me a bit more especially in an office setting and come into work with an eyebrow pierced, EEKS!  But CG your on the right track with the tounge piercing in hiding it.  Seems to be the best approach that it's not so visible during office hours.

Miss conservative, you betcha.  But I'm getting a bit more flexible with that the older I get.

Chris68
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff

[goldenearring]

CG - rather than comment on what I think about body art, I'm going to offer a fashion tip that has served my interests well and that is that one should never have more than 5 pieces of jewelry on one's person at a time.  Earrings count as 2.  So, you have got 5 earrings, 1 tongue thing, and, I'm guessing, a wedding ring, a watch, and a necklace or two.  Therein lies the issue, I believe.  Personally, although I'm feeling like I'm dangerously close to 50 at this point, I have seen some very attractive young women who managed to express themselves yet find a balance in moderation that is still very necessary in the business world.
[I do have to agree wholeheartedly with the others that checking out the tongue thing against teeth and lips and the incessant clicking of some annoys me.  Think of your grandpa eating a sandwich right next to you . . . LOL  If you are able to avoid making that noise and checking the thing out, then I really don't see where there should be a problem unless you're dealing with ultra-conservative clients on some part of the job.]

[laundryhater]

Now that ya mention it, I too remember the 5 pieces of jewelry rule from business school.

[goldenearring]

Thank you, laundryhater, for making me feel, well, "current," when I sometimes wonder!

[hightechea]

I worked with the tattooed guy (Lex) on survivor and he didn't wear a suit  but he did keep his tattoos covered. Granted he has gotten a few more than when I worked with him but he had quite a few even then.  Lex is the nicest guy you would ever want to meet and the program did not portray that.  They have the editing power.  Robin

[goldenearring]

Oh, I'm glad you posted, hightech.  I still can't believe that I watched at least 10-15 minutes of nearly every episode of Survivor this time, and I kept going back and forth about Lex.  I wanted to believe he was a nice guy.  But, man, they were really brutal with their edits on him.  I would imagine the contestants need to sign waivers to release all claims against the powers-that-be in order even to be on the show.  I have to give all of the contestants credit, regardless of what I thought about them, because had I seen even one African bug, I would have been out of there.  But, on the other hand, to have had the experience like, I think Teresa did, to stay and work on a project with the African tribe would have been an amazing memory.  Thank you for writing in and making me feel better that Lex won the Avalanche!  Although better him than Tom!  LOL  

[chris68]

hightechtea,

I'm sure he's the nicest guy to meet and talk with, I was just using that as an example. I just think that that many tattoes is a bit extreme for an office setting.  He may be in an office that isn't as conservative with it, and hey I am all for it, but, being from a conservative background, it just seemed like a bit much.

My .02 cents.

Chris68
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff

[goldenearring]

Oh, geez, did I say Teresa?  Not Teresa, the brunette, the beautiful one, not the "Tina-lookalike."  Can't remember her name.  

[goldenearring]

I am losin' it.  I liked Teresa, and she's not even the one I was thinking of . . . the blond . . . why do I care?!?! . . . who came in second.  Anyway, what the heck was the point of all of this in the first place?

[hightechea]

Do you mean the one that made it to the finals with Ethan?That was the blonde grandmother, Kim.  Theresa was the brunette.  Her nickname was T-Bird.   Guess you can tell I am a Survivor nut.  I have watched every eposide from each one.  Robin