Tattoos affect job prospects
By Brittnee Lanea, November 09
Staff Writer
Photo by Ginger Hoil |
| A tattoo artist works on a new tattoo for a client. |
Body art as a means of self-expression is growing increaslingly popular; however, visibility of something that you find to be beautiful may offend someone else.
For the most part, employers in the healthcare field greatly frown upon any visibility of tattoos.
“They can be quite offensive to the older clients that come into the office,” said Dr. John Michael Morgan of Biltmore Cardiology. Morgan also said that at his office they request that employees find a way to cover up any tattoos that show.
Some of the ways employees may do this are with a Band Aid if the tattoo is small enough or a lightweight, long sleeved shirt. Morgan also added that there is somewhat of a double standard that exists and that visible tattoos are more frowned upon with female employees than with male employees.
“I did think about the placement of my tattoos when I got them so that while they may be visible in a T-shirt, a dress shirt or suit would cover them,” says JC Poper, tattoo enthusiast.
Poper works with disabled young adults as an independent living coach and said that “people are very surprised to learn what I do for a living because of my appearance and tattoos.”
Although Poper has yet to face any issues in the workplace with regards to his tattoos, he did express concern about the possibility of their being a problem in the future.
Visible tattoos can also be a problem in internships. Students at PVCC have the opportunity to participate in internships with Disney; however, the visibility of tattoos is not accepted because Disney wants their interns to look clean cut.
Norma Chandler, manager of Career Services at PVCC, continues to caution students to be on the safe side and hide their tattoos, if possible, even though tattoos are becoming more common. Chandler pointed out as well that the hardest tattoos to cover up are those on the hands and neck.
Poper said that he was not yet finished getting tattoos and is working on a significantly larger piece for his right arm. He made sure to add that it will follow his guidelines of being able to be covered in a suit or dress shirt.
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