All growing up, I was taught that tattoos should never be visible while you're wearing clothes, because "I won't get a job". But why won't I? Why are tattoos still considered so offensive and unprofessional in the workplace? I understand both positions in this argument. On one hand, tattoos might show a lack of responsibility, and in an interview, the person with no "ink" would most likely get the job. (Unless the job is a tattoo artist). On the other hand, why would a little bit of ink on my skin give others the opportunity to judge my work ethic? Why does it make me less trustworthy? Does it really affect how I do my job?

I got my first tattoo last November. It's a semicolon on my right index finger. It was part of Suicide Awareness Month, and means a lot: "A semicolon is the part of the sentence where it could have ended, but didn't." It inspires hope, and it is a constant reminder of who I am; that I'm going to be great. I didn't really get the reaction I wanted from my friends and family.

I would have to say that about half of them really loved it. They thought it was meaningful and deep and loved the size, location, etc. They were proud of me for being true to myself and allowing myself to have that reminder every time I looked down at my hand. Now the other half...not so much. The other half of them were judgmental. They would look away, or even come out and say it: "You know you're going to have to cover that up somehow for work every day, right?" I had many suggestions, such as gloves and band-aids. Why would I want to cover up something that means so much to me, and that I am so proud to have as a part of my skin?

I understand that some jobs don't want their employees to look out of uniform. However, I feel as though if a company or an employer doesn't want me for my tattoos, then I don't need to work for them. I'm not going to hide who I am. It does not affect my ability to perform the jobs I apply for. I'm staying true to myself, and that's one of the most important qualities I could have, even in a work environment.