career move
Posted by ninestein on January 13, 2002 at 16:40:47: Previous Next
I went to Australia in July 2000 for 2 months and my hair was of curtains appearance. I'd had highlights done a few times, but whilst out in the sun, my hair looked awful when returning. My mum suggested taking it all off, so I went to the barbers and had it shaved to a number five. I didn't like it, and I then made the decision to grow it but go for the ponytail. I didn't tell my parents or friends of the plan.
Anyway, I work for Waitrose (UK food shop firm, part of John Lewis) and they are really strict on dress and appearance as it's supposed to be an upmarket store. The rule is...
"Male hair must be tidy and business-like. Pony Tails are not seen as businesslike for men. Hair must be no longer than collar-length. Overuse of gels and waxes is not acceptable." Tough, huh?
I've managed till now to grow my hair long enough so that an inch or so tucks behind my ears. The back comes down to the base of my ears in length. I keep it tidy by using Brylcreem hairdressing every day, and I have had no comments from any bosses so far. I am obviously getting close to tying it back, in fact another 3 months or so will do it.
I have just graduated in computing, and I am looking to leave the shop and get into an office with a more relaxed atmosphere and attitude towards dress and appearance. I live in london.
This is quite a story, i know, but can anybody suggest any sort of companies that they know are not so fussy?
I respect my company rules and I don't want to break them as I get on very well with all the staff including my bosses.
Re: career move
Posted by Dave on January 13, 2002 at 19:13:50: Previous Next
In Reply to: career move posted by ninestein on January 13, 2002 at 16:40:47:
: I went to Australia in July 2000 for 2 months and my hair was of curtains appearance. I'd had highlights done a few times, but whilst out in the sun, my hair looked awful when returning. My mum suggested taking it all off, so I went to the barbers and had it shaved to a number five. I didn't like it, and I then made the decision to grow it but go for the ponytail. I didn't tell my parents or friends of the plan.
: Anyway, I work for Waitrose (UK food shop firm, part of John Lewis) and they are really strict on dress and appearance as it's supposed to be an upmarket store. The rule is...
: "Male hair must be tidy and business-like. Pony Tails are not seen as businesslike for men. Hair must be no longer than collar-length. Overuse of gels and waxes is not acceptable." Tough, huh?
: I've managed till now to grow my hair long enough so that an inch or so tucks behind my ears. The back comes down to the base of my ears in length. I keep it tidy by using Brylcreem hairdressing every day, and I have had no comments from any bosses so far. I am obviously getting close to tying it back, in fact another 3 months or so will do it.
: I have just graduated in computing, and I am looking to leave the shop and get into an office with a more relaxed atmosphere and attitude towards dress and appearance. I live in london.
: This is quite a story, i know, but can anybody suggest any sort of companies that they know are not so fussy?
: I respect my company rules and I don't want to break them as I get on very well with all the staff including my bosses.
There are supposed to be rules against this sort of thing, in the UK it is called the Sexual Discrimination Act. Your experience is yet more evidence that these "equality" laws are farcical from a male standpoint.
Unfortunatly, while there is no guarantee you will find computing anymore accomodating regarding male long hair than your present employer, you should at least earn a lot more than you now do.
I would tell Waitrose to shove it.