Individuality is such a precious trait to have as you grow older.

Going to college, starting a new job, and even a change of scenery can often make someone feel out of place and in need of fitting in. That unfamiliarity sends us into a search for guidance, a path seemingly proven to work for others so much that it is the safest option. These ways of thinking can rob someone of what makes them their own person, and since we are always the oldest we've ever been, sometimes we wonder whether changing ourselves in the face of a judgmental society will benefit us or hurt us. Let's shine a light on a new perspective of professionalism and maturity, specifically on the topic of tattoos.

Whether you have any interest in getting a tattoo, you have one, or you don't want any at all, the word "permanent" is more likely than not one of the first words that comes to mind. Once it's there, it's there, and unless you want to withstand an extremely painful removal procedure, it's there forever. I'm sure it's pretty disappointing to those who are passionate about a design, go to an artist, pay a lot of money for their tattoo to be done, only to realize it won't completely disappear within a couple of days.

Of course it is permanent!

Unless it was done poorly or drunkenly asked for, the idea of it being there forever brings its recipient pride. They took time to think about what they wanted, sat in the chair and dealt with the pain, and essentially earned what is now apart of them. I don't know about you, but when I think of what commitment means to me, it's analyzing an idea beforehand, tackling it head on, and handling the effects whether positive or negative with understanding. Clearly, someone who is tattooed is familiar with commitment.

Having faith in yourself and believing in your own hard work takes you far in any field that you put yourself in. Being a leader means recognizing that you are your own person and there is a fine line between inspiration and impersonation. Leaders innovate, and innovation takes creativity. An extraordinary tattoo or sleeve of tattoos become synonymous with who that person is, what they like, and how they live. Sure there are bound to be people with similar tattoos or even the exact same design, but perception can tell you nothing when it comes to the personal meanings for these people and why they decided to have them done. Anyone can go to college, receive a business degree, and go to work for whatever company their field falls in right away. But it's the creative people who shine through their cubicles with their combination of book knowledge and cultured spontaneity that largely contribute to one company having more success than their competitors. There are plenty of people like this without tattoos, but those with them should not be underestimated for having them.

In the workplace, there are two kinds of people: those who show up work and those who arrive to continue to build their careers. You excel when you make your job a part of your life and strive to make your hard work mean something to both your employer and to the world around you. I'd imagine it's not always easy for an employer to detect genuineness in their applicant's interview responses. But, to any employer out there: it makes absolutely no sense to reject an applicant for their tattoos in 2016.

It's one thing to defer the guy with a gang-related tattoo on his neck or a big Mike Tyson face tattoo, but to say no only for their body art is naive in today's society. Hire them for who they are and for their qualifications; if anything, their tattoos should add to their case.

You could be missing out on a committed, creative, and passionate leader.