Hot Topic: Tattoos and Piercings at Work

Work casual usually refers to clothes but some people are taking it a step further and showing their tattoos or piercings off at work. I've worked with people who have tattoos in visible places, such as their arms, and at the beginning have covered their tattoos with long sleeves or sweatbands. Some of them continue to cover them while others opt to start uncovering them.

In some cultures such as Asia tattoos can have negative conotations, such as being in a gang, mafia, or killing people. Some swimming pools, saunas, and gyms don't let people in who have tattoos. Things are changing though and it's no longer as taboo as it was to have tattoos.

Piercings are a bit easier as you can take them out or put in piercings that are less visible, such as studs or retainers. Some piercings, such as ear piercings or nose piercings might not cause any problems, while others, such as lip, eyebrow, or tongue piercings might.

In addition, some employers may pass you over for promotions due to your tattoos or piercings. While it's not fair it does happen. 

It's up to you what you decide to do with your tattoos and piercings while you're at work. Some work places are more open to them than others. If you're contemplating getting a tattoo, remember that they are pretty much permanent (laser tattoo removal is possible but painful and expensive) so keep that in mind. After all what looks neat now might not look so good when you're 60 or 70. 


What do you think?
Do you keep your tattoos covered and take your piercings out at work? Have they been as issue?

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