So, you just got your first tattoo.
That's so exciting! I will warn you now, they're ridiculously addicting. Myself? I have eleven.....So far.
So what happens when you are applying for a new job with your fancy little dolphin tattoo on your ankle?
You don't get the job.
Why, you might ask? The answer to that question is as appalling as it is old-fashioned: people don't like what they don't understand. Your tattoo means the world to you- your grandmother took you to Sea World when you were a little girl, you bonded over your love for dolphins, and that was your last trip together before she passed away. You love your tattoo! Most of your family loves your tattoo! Your friends love your tattoo! Your future employer? Forget about it.
You have: a college degree from an esteemed college and maybe even your Master's, experience in your field managing people, a smart wardrobe, a great presentation of yourself and your skills, spot-on references, various positions held in student organizations and volunteer work, and the perfect strong-for-a-woman-yet-not-too-intimidating handshake.
You still don't get the job.
Since your dolphin tattoo peeks out of a normal pair of work shoes and could possibly show should your black slacks move a tiny bit while walking or adjusting your legs while sitting, you don't get hired. Explain to me how 1 in 5 Americans. Regardless of age have at least one tattoo, yet this is still such an "unattractive" and "unintelligent" thing to do? Why does this have to automatically disqualify someone from a job even if they are perfectly fitted for it just because some old man might think that they are "hideous" and that they make someone less creditable?
Let's get real, here.
Tattoos do not make you less intelligent, less able to do your assigned job, less qualified or any less of a person. On the other hand, tattoos don't make you smarter, they don't make you more qualified and they don't add anything to your character. In short, tattoos can not change who a person is, just what their appearance looks like. So why has there been such a huge assumption made about this? Yes, there are some people that are just getting tattoos to be rebellious or getting them in a spur of the moment and regretting them, giving the air of impulsiveness; but most people think long and hard about when, why, and where they are going to get their tattoo and many have deeper meanings than you would think for getting them.
So....What do we do?
Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. I am happy to report, however, that I have seen so many more employees for various different businesses sporting their tattoos and not covering them up! I think that if anything, this adds more of an accepting feel to the company name- and plus I'm sure their employees are much happier being able to work in the summer without a long sleeved shirt on!
What are your opinions? Do tattoos affect the workplace? Should they?
